trip to oman from dubai

Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

MUSANDAM – A FUN DAY TRIP FROM DUBAI TO OMAN

MUSANDAM – DUBAI DAY TRIP TO OMAN

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

It took me four visits to Dubai before I finally reserved a full day to see Oman. Okay, I just got a tiny glimpse of the northern part of Oman, but it honestly is one of the top day trips from Dubai. That is why I added it to my “50 top things to do in Dubai” list .

In this post, you will find out what to expect if you book a trip to Oman and Musandam for a day.

The Musandam Peninsula is located in the northern part of Oman, about 200 kilometers from Dubai. On your way, you will also cross Ras Al-Khaimah, which is also a perfect base for taking a day trip to Oman.

DAY TRIP FROM DUBAI TO OMAN / MUSANDAM

There are different Musandam tour packages from Dubai, and it really depends on what you are interested to see and how much you like to spend. I will add a few different tours later for you.

Why Visit the Musandam Peninsula?

The Musandam Peninsula is a beautiful place in Oman – very authentic and full of history, especially when compared to the hustle, bustle, and general glitziness of Dubai.

Getting there takes a while, but you will be rewarded with boat trips, lovely scenery, and incredible views of the stark limestone mountains.

However, although Musandam is getting more popular these days and attracts many tourists from Ras Al-Khaimah and Dubai, it still retains its originality and natural feeling despite having a touristy touch to it. 

To start your Musandam tour from Dubai, you can either a) travel by car to Khasab, which is about a three-hour drive from Dubai, or b) do a guided tour  (like I did), and then you will be picked up from the hotel.

A guided tour to Oman from Dubai is probably the easiest way. You could also fly from Dubai to Khasab if you prefer, but I actually recommend getting there by bus.

You can stay there, overnight as well: I personally think a day trip is enough, but if you can decide to stay longer you can book your accommodation in Oman.

What to Know

We were picked up from our hotel by the tour company, and after picking up some other people, we drove for about three hours to get to the border of Oman .

From there, it took about an hour to get through border security to where our dhow waited for us in Khasab, a village just beyond the border.

Packing List Musandam

If you have a visa for the UAE, you shouldn’t need an extra visa for Oman, but you definitely have to bring your original passport with you and take a copy of your passport.

It wasn’t needed for us, but it was recommended by our tour guide.

To make the most of your Oman trip from Dubai, it’s also important to take everything you’ll need with you: swimming gear, sun lotion, etc., and of course your camera.

Dhow Cruise from Khasab

We did a Musandam dhow cruise from Khasab. The dhows are the original Arabic boats which are decorated with adorable Arabic cushions and rugs.

Click here to find the tour we did.

You can choose to sit on the top of the dhow or the ground level, and then you start your trip!

Food and drink are often included , it does depend on the tour operator, but most tour operators have similar offers.

Ours included fresh fruit, water, juices, tea, and coffee all day long. Then for lunch, there was a small buffet, and soft drinks were served. It was nothing exciting and all quite simple, but it was definitely enough for the day.

If you are looking for something completely tranquil, then tours like this might not be the perfect choice for you as there is often music on the boat, which I personally enjoyed. When I went, it was a mixture of international, Indian, and US music.

We sailed for about thirty minutes traveling past the mountains and what they call the fjords (although they aren’t officially fjords). Once at the beach, we had the option to hop into the water or to take a small boat to get us right up to the beach.

I really enjoyed my full-day trip to Oman but to be honest, I was a little bit disappointed by the water. If you visit Oman to see the pristine clear water you see in the pictures sometimes, you will be disappointed.

The water was not very clear, it was oily, and the area smelled like oil, so bear this in mind before you go.

Activities in Musandam

The beach, although nice, was a little bit dirty. Sadly, there was trash lying around where people had just thrown rubbish on the beach. Of course it is the fault of the tourists, but it would have been better if there had been a big rubbish bin.

Guys, seriously- take your trash back to the boat if you do not see a rubbish bin. No rubbish bin is no excuse for being a stupid tourist. 

We had about an hour at the beach/boat, and there were options to do banana boat riding (which was included in the price) or a speedboat trip which was really enjoyable, although it was a short ride of fewer than five minutes.

No trip would be perfect without food – and so these tours also include a buffet and more music, and it was an enjoyable atmosphere with around thirty other people on the boat. The buffet is simple, some rice, noodles, salads, and a few more things (including meat) but okay for that day.

Musandam Scenery

In total, we spent about five hours there, and then we sailed back, again through the “fjords” – it was kind of really beautiful with the fog and the mountains, and then we headed back to the border.

Just before that, some people had the chance to go fishing from the boat.

Finally, we headed back to the bus and through the border, which took another hour, and after that, we headed back to Dubai.

Is it worth visiting Musandam from Dubai? 

In total, the day trip took us about 14 hours, around six and a half of it on the bus, which was a lot longer than I expected.

So, if you know that and you don’t expect the crystal clear perfect water, then a Dubai to Oman day trip is perfect.

The prices are reasonable when you consider that there is food and drink included, and you will not find anything like this in Dubai for that price.

• Day Trip to Musandam from Dubai – Tour 1
• Musandam – Dubai Tour 2
• Musandam Trip Via Viator 

Pin It on Pinterest

• Travel Africa
• Travel Asia
• Travel America
• Travel Australia & Oceania
• Travel Caribbean
• Travel Europe
• Florida’s Theme Parks
• Small Towns
• Travel Middle East
• Travel South America
• Travel Hacks
• Credit Cards
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Shop
• Volunteer Abroad – Working Holidays & Vacations
• Britlish™ – The Language Explained
• Affirmative Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Guest Posts
• Work with Brit on the Move™

Dubai to Oman – The Epic Musandam Cruise Day Trip

Almost everyone who visits Dubai visits one or more of the neighboring Emirates, but few take the trip from Dubai to Oman. There are several routes to pick from, a popular one being Dubai to Dibba because you can take advantage of the Gulf of Oman and experience some dramatic scenery. If you are visiting Dubai, consider the Dubai to Dibba route.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our  disclosure and privacy policy for more information.

Getting from Dubai to Oman via Dibba

Let’s start with this is not a trip I recommend solo. Don’t rent a car and head out. In my opinion, renting a car would be a massive mistake . Oman has one of the world’s highest death rates from traffic accidents. And, unless you’ve already got a visa for Oman, you will run into problems.  The logistics alone are a huge reason you need to book a tour of some form to take advantage of this trip.

Map of Dubai and Oman

We booked this trip through our hotel concierge, although there are now many day trip options you can pick from . If you try to book this through your hotel, eyebrows will be raised. I felt that sending tourists out of the Emirates and over to Oman to spend money is not exactly a goal for the Dubai tourism industry. I had to insist they book this for us, which is not advertised locally.

If you research this route, you will get mixed opinions and views. Disregard this and go for it. If you’ve made it to Dubai, this day trip is something you will appreciate.  If you’re a thrill-seeker or like to go off the beaten path, this is all you. Or, if you are a collect a country stamp type of person, this is for you.

So, let’s get into the details:

Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab country that borders The United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. The northern section of the Peninsula Coast separates the mainland and juts into the Strait of Hormuz. This region is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates. Oman is a Muslim country, and the Musandam region is often cited as beautiful as the Norwegian Fjords .

Getting To Oman From Dubai

I assume you read my earlier advice and took it to heart. And that you are going to book a trip through a tour operator. If you don’t, good luck, and let us know how it goes!

The tours start early, and it’s a long day out. You’ll be picked up at around 7:00 am and then make the usual rounds to pick up others joining you once the bus or van is full – off across the desert to the border.

FYI – The tour will also return you to your hotel.

Tours From Dubai to Oman

Crossing the border from dubai to oman.

This might seem odd or funny, but this was one of the highlights for me. It’s a tad shady. First, you’ll stop before the border to inspect your papers. The tour operator on site will scan your passport, check all the details, and give you the equivalent of a day pass, not an actual visa . Ironically, you provide all your information in advance, but it’s rechecked. Not a bad thing. This ensures your ability to cross the border. From there, your bus will proceed into the line at the border.

It’s as you would imagine – sketchy. Oman police are dripping in rifles and an excess of other military weapons, ready for trouble should it occur. Once your buses arrive at the Oman border, an agent boards the bus to check that everyone’s papers are in order. It’s intimidating but exciting! They did not review every passenger’s documents, it was random, but they checked at least half of the passenger’s paperwork. And we had someone on board that was grilled in broken English about his previous travels. The Oman border control found his travels either exciting or suspicious.

We passed through with no issues and went to Dibba port, where the fun began.

Note: You cannot take any photographs while crossing the boarder

Riding the Dhow in Oman

One of the most compelling reasons to take this tour is to ride the Dhow. A dhow is a traditional Arabic boat. The Dhow is the generic name of several traditional ships with one or more masts common to the region.

Don’t get me wrong; you can ride a dhow in Dubai, but let’s be honest – everyone who’s been to Dubai has done this. The boats are the same; however, the landscape is dramatically different. Oman has the most rugged and beautiful coastlines in the world. I’ll add they are also remote and then some.

As soon as the Dhow takes off, you start to see why people compare this landscape to Norway. One difference is the climate, Norway’s cooler, and while the water is piercing clear in Oman, it’s a Caribbean blue.

Imagine yourself relaxing on a fabulous traditional Arabic boat in the middle of nowhere, seeing the mountains of Musandam. Better imagine what this looks like when the sun sets. I caught many pictures with the Dhow in the sun’s background, and cheesy as it might sound, the views are priceless.

You’ll cruise for an hour or so, and then you will pull into a cove where you will get to explore the beach, the water, and all the other traditions you would expect from a water-based trip.

Activities on the Dhow

Here is what to expect in terms of choices of things to do:

• Snorkel the beautiful blue water
• Speed boat blasting
• Banana boat riding
• Take the speed board to the limestone (white rock) and tour inside the caves.
• Sunbathe on the beach, or explore the beach
• Jump or swing off the Dhow and splash into the water
• Handline fishing

We opted to explore the beach and admire the vistas; we did the caves, and Brian tried hand-line fishing.

You get to spend about two hours at the chosen cove, and then it’s time to return to the Dhow. Back on board, you’ll be treated to a traditional lunch that’s buffet style. The food was adequate but not spectacular. Don’t expect to be wowed; it’s not a feast. Add to this that there are people with many worldwide – all with different cultural norms. Creating a line and lining up (or bum-rushing) the line will be a factor. Some people tried to jump in the queue. They were barging in as if there was not enough food for all. This concept’s not new; I’ve experienced it worldwide.  I remind all to get in line, and I’m firm enough to set the tone.

Food in hand, it’s time to lay back on the dhows cushions and take in the sunset. A quiet and calm trip; it’s not a booze cruise you would take in the Caribbean . The low key with almost all people opting for the layout.

What You Need When Visiting OmanWhat You Need to Know About A Trip From Dubai To Oman

Visas and day permits.

• Unless you do a day tour, you need a visa to visit Oman .
• If you take a tour, you do not need a visa, and you will get a day pass subject to your return on the same day.
• Before touring, you will have to provide copies of your passport, and you need six months left on the passport to enter.
• A copy of your passport must be sent 48 hours before the trip to arrange entry.

This is important. You can’t arrange this trip the day before you need to book this at least two days (sometimes three) in advance.

General Tips For Travel From Dubai To Oman

• Day trips from Dubai start at around $75 and go up to $500. The cost depends on the tour you pick. Essentially, the price is dominated by choosing a shared vs. private tour.
• Tours provide everything you need except sunscreen, including snorkeling gear, life jackets, water, etc.
• You can wear a bathing suit on the beach, other than this, be moderate.
• You do not need currency or cash. Everything you need is provided on the boat.
• This is a long day, at least ten hours. In our case, it was for twelve hours.
• Non-alcoholic drinks are included, and you can buy alcohol on most tours.
• Depending on where you dock, there is a chance the locals will be unimpressed by your arrival. We experienced this, and it was comical. A love-hate relationship was exposed before our eyes, and the locals tried to chase off the tour company.
• Taking pictures of Arab Women is considered offensive, and before you take a local photograph, you must ask for permission.

Note: Some of the beaches have been littered by tourists. It’s sad to see and it’s the main gripe that people cite following this tour. It’s shocking to be somewhere so remote, barely inhabited and stunning yet dressed in trash. Unfortunately, this is a concept I’ve seen in several countries . If you take this tour, please do not leave any trash behind.

Driving from Dubai to Dibba is approximately an hour and forty-five minutes.

You do not need a visa if you take a day trip. You will need a visa if you do anything other than a same-day return trip.

You can apply for a  visa here.

Yes, some people do speak English, but it’s not universal.

Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended.

A 10-day tourist visa costs five to ten riyals, which is approximately $1.50 – $3.00

Yes, if you book a day trip through a travel agency.

Closing Thoughts

The typical traditional Dubai tourist rarely leaves The Emirates during their stay. This is understandable. The Middle East has a reputation for volatility, which steers many from considering branching out. I will tell you that you will be fine if you use a reputable tour company and have paperwork in order. The tour company will take great care of you and ensure you cross and return without problems.

Most important, you will have experienced something that few do. Lastly, if you get fortunate, you’ll experience the debacle between those living in the mountains, sounding the beaches, and the tour operators.

Looking for more posts on The Middle East ? Start here:

• 10 Fun Water Activities in Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi & Yas Island Theme Parks 
• Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Museum
• Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi – Which Is Best For You?
• Dubai Facts – Love it or Hate It?
• How to Explore Dubai – The Complete Guide
• Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi – The Best Things To See & Do
• The Best Hotels in Dubai – Where To Stay!

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Brit On The Move™ Travel Resources

Ready to book your next trip? Use these resources that work:

Was the flight canceled or delayed? Find out if you are eligible for compensation with AirHelp.

• Book your Hotel:  Find the best prices; use  Booking.com
• Find Apartment Rentals:  You will find the best prices on apartment rentals with  Booking.com’s Apartment Finder .
• Travel Insurance :  Don’t leave home without it. View our suggestions to help you decide which travel insurance is for you:  Travel Insurance Guide .
• Want to earn tons of points and make your next trip accessible?  Check out our recommendations for Travel Credit Cards.
• Want To Take A Volunteer Vacation or a Working Holiday?  Check out the complete guide to how here!
• Want to Shop For Travel Accessories?  Check out our  Travel Shop .

Need more help planning your trip? Visit ou r Resources Page , which highlights the great companies we use for traveling.

Share with others!

Aside from the cove, what else can we see/esperience in this day trip

Hi Lyn. For this specific trip it’s just the cove :) Nikki

Thnx for posting! Would this trip be recommendable for a family with two little (4 and 3) children?

There were no kids on my trip, so I can’t say for sure, but I don’t see any reason (other than the border crossing) why kids could not take the trip. Nikki

Such a nice post. This is really a trip I would make. Oman is a country, I’m dying to visit. And I’m always fascinated by border crossings. Besides that I have never been to Dubai, I only know the airport because of the many transfers. The dhow ride sounds like lots of fun…:-)Thanks for sharing your story.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

WHERE WE FLY

Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Oman (OM)

• Where we fly
• The Middle East
• Flights from Dubai to Oman

Search for flights

Emirates flights from dubai to oman.

Find all flights departing from Dubai to Oman on emirates.com. Searching for flights from Dubai to Oman and Oman to Dubai is easy. Just browse the list of cities we fly to from Dubai and select your destination city to see our flight schedules and destination guides.

Book flights from Dubai to Oman quickly and securely. When you see our Best Price Guarantee symbol, that means you’ll get the best fare for your flights.

Our destination guides offer expert tips on what to do and the best places to visit, as well as recommendations for the best hotels, activities and eateries in town.

Book your flights from Dubai to Oman today and look forward to gourmet dining, award-winning inflight entertainment and exceptional service with us – no matter which cabin class you’re travelling in.

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

• Flights from Dubai to Muscat

Flights from Oman to Dubai

• Flights from Muscat to Dubai

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Environment
• Ask the Law
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Corporate Tax
• Travel & Tourism
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Premiere League
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• Schedule | Medal Tally
• South Indian
• Health+Fitness
• Best Of Bollywood
• Entertainment
• Special Features
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times
• How to travel from UAE to Oman by bus – all the available options

Living In UAE

Travel to Muscat, Musandam and Salalah from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and RAK by bus

Also in this package

• Want to warm your hair with butterscotch hues? Why we love foodie-themed TikTok trends
• UAE: Dh20,000 fine, jail for hit-and-run cases involving injuries
• UAE: How to set up a business within 15 minutes – all you need to know
• Dubai: Renew driving licence and vehicle registration through RTA’s 24/7 smart kiosks
• Dubai: Discounted tickets, Dh10 bus ride and free fireworks show – all you need to know about Global Village 2023 – 2024

Dubai: Want to travel to Oman for a quick escape but don’t want to spend money on a plane ticket and don’t have a driver's licence yet to go on a road trip? From the UAE, you can travel to Oman by bus, and the tickets for some of these routes start from just Dh50.

Get exclusive content with Gulf News WhatsApp channel

In the UAE, private tour companies and public transportation authorities offer bus services to popular destinations like Muscat, Musandam, and Salalah.

So, depending on where you want to go, and which emirate you reside in, here are all the bus travel options for Oman.

1. Buses to Muscat

From sharjah.

Cost: Dh95.40 for a single journey.

A brand new bus route from Sharjah to Muscat was introduced on February 27 by Mwasalat, Oman's transport company. Bus route 203 will have two buses a day leaving from Sharjah and two buses leaving from Muscat as well every day.

Bus timings

Buses on this route depart at 6.30am and 4pm every day , from the main stations – Al Jubail Bus Station in Sharjah and Mwasalat Bus Station in Al Athaiba.

For more details on the route details, and how to book the bus tickets online read our guide here .

From Abu Dhabi

Cost : Starting from Dh110 for a single trip. There is a bus service from Oman to UAE, which is offered by Oman’s national public transport service, Mwasalat, in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

The Route 202 bus travels from Muscat, Oman to Abu Dhabi via Al Ain with various stops in between. The bus also departs from Abu Dhabi, on the same route back to Muscat, Oman.

Bus stops from Abu Dhabi:

There are two stops that the bus makes in the UAE, in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain: • Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station – Located on Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street in Al Wahdah, Zone 1. • Al Ain Central Bus Station – Located on Al Wifadah Street in the Central District.

How do I book tickets?

You can book your tickets through the official Mwasalat website - mwasalat.om. For a more detailed guide on the route details, schedule and baggage allowance and how to book tickets, click here .

Cost : From Dh100 for a single trip. You can also take a bus from Dubai to Oman’s capital Muscat. There are private coach services that offer this bus service and the exact cost may vary depending on the transport company that you book with. The trip takes approximately seven hours and you would either need to take the bus from the agency’s office or designated location, or you can check if the bus service provider offers pick up services from your home.

2. To Musandam

Musandam is a governorate in Oman, and Khasab is its capital. One of the most famous attractions there is Khor Sham, which is a 16km long fjord.

You can travel to Musandam either with a private tour operator or use the public transportation bus service from Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA).

Through travel agencies

From the UAE, travel agencies provide full-day tours – in which you leave the UAE, reach Musandam, go on a dhow cruise, which includes dolphin watching, and return to the UAE on the same day. Passengers are usually picked up from their homes or from the travel agency’s office.

The overall price of the tour package can vary based on the tour operators you book with, but the cost can typically range from Dh300 to Dh500 per person.

• Travel from UAE to Oman by bus – all you need to know about going to Muscat, Musandam and Salalah

From Ras Al Khaimah

Cost : Dh50 for a single trip.

Since Friday, October 6, RAKTA has been operating weekly bus trips to Musandam, Oman.

The bus service is only available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the trip takes around two and a half to three hours.

You can book your tickets online through the RAKBus app, which is available for Apple and Android devices or the RAKBus website - rakbus.ae. Alternatively, you can buy the tickets from the central bus station in Ras Al Khaimah or buy them on the bus as well.

For the timings, and details on the online booking process, read our guide here .

3. To Salalah

Salalah is one of Oman’s most popular destinations because of its subtropical climate, seasonal waterfalls and valleys. Due to its natural attractions and cooler weather, many UAE-based travel companies offer tour packages to Salalah.

The overall cost of travelling to Salalah depends on the tour company. A two-night and three-day trip may cost you around Dh1,000, inclusive of a guided tour, hotel reservation, visa application, food and drinks and the bus pick-up and drop-off.

The trip to Salalah by bus can take up to 18 hours . For a detailed guide on bus trips from the UAE to Salalah, click here .

Visa requirements for Oman from UAE

For uae expatriates.

Planning a road trip from the UAE to Oman? As a UAE resident, you can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at the Oman border. Here's what you need to know:

Visa on arrival -  Enjoy a hassle-free entry with a visa issued directly at the border.

Documents required Emirates ID with a valdity of at least six months. Passport valid for at least six months.

Payment -   Dh35 exit fee (UAE border) and  5 OMR (Dh47.71) visa fee (Oman border) .

Validity : Stay in Oman for up to 14 days with this visa.

However, if you are booking a trip with a tour operator, chances are that the cost of the visa will be included in your package and the company will apply for an e-visa in advance to streamline the border process.

For tourists

If you are a visitor to the UAE and are planning to travel to Oman by road, it is important to check if there are any requirements you should know about before you book the bus tickets based on your nationality. You might be eligible for a visa on arrival or would need to apply for an entry visa in advance through a travel agency or Oman’s eVisa platform - evisa.rop.gov.om.

You can check the requirements through either the travel agency or by logging on to Oman’s eVisa platform - evisa.rop.gov.om.

• Visa + Immigration
• Telephone + Internet
• Safety + Security
• Taqdeer Award

Abu Dhabi: Pre-book and save on airport parking

Placing sticker on windshield is mandatory: Salik

Are you eligible for the Fazaa or Esaad card?

New name for this Metro station in Dubai

UAE: 7 Emirates ID perks you didn't know about

Dubai outdoor season: Top attractions to reopen soon

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

How to Travel from Dubai to Muscat, Oman via Public Bus Transport

In previous posts, we have shared about how you can travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi , Sharjah , Fujairah , and other emirates via public bus transport. Today, we are going to take things further by discussing how you can commute from Dubai to a neighbouring country… the Sultanate of Oman!

You heard that right! Did you know that there’s a bus route from Dubai to Muscat, the capital of Oman? So while it may sound much easier (not to mention faster) to reach Muscat by plane, taking the scenic route by bus sounds more exciting, don’t you think? Keep on reading to learn more about this bus route!

Bus Ticket Prices from Dubai to Oman

Bus schedule: timings and stops, traveling from oman to dubai via public bus, facilities on the dubai-muscat bus, private bus options for travelers, additional reminders for travelers, places to see in oman, guide to traveling from dubai to muscat, oman via public bus.

Since January last year, people have been able to travel between Dubai and Muscat via Bus Route Number 201. This was made possible due to a partnership between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Oman’s National Transport Company, Mwasalat.

Mwasalat happens to own the largest fleet of buses in Oman, with more than 500 buses including mini buses, low floor buses, super luxury coaches, and long-distance coaches.

The partnership between RTA and Mwasalat falls under the former’s launching of new bus routes across the UAE and beyond. As part of their agreement in opening a Dubai-Muscat route, new bus stations and routes between the two places had been added.

As a result, there is now a convenient bus route that citizens, residents, and visitors can use to travel easily between Dubai and Muscat! These include tourists as well as business executives who often travel between the two destinations.

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Dubai to Oman is AED 55, while a round-trip ticket costs AED 90. You will need to buy your tickets directly from the RTA stand. In the future though, passengers will be able to book their bus tickets online or by using their Nol Card to purchase tickets.

The Dubai-Oman bus route runs three times a day, departing from the following stations at these timings (with 15-minute stops at each station):

• Abu Hail Bus Station — 7:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 11:00 pm
• Dubai Airport Terminal 2 — 7:45 am, 3:45 pm, and 11:15 pm
• Rashidiya Bus Station — 8:00 am, 4:00 pm, and 11:30 pm

The travel time between Dubai to Oman is around six hours, including stops between stations as well as custom checking at the UAE-Oman border. Of course, keep in mind that traffic conditions may make the travel period longer.

Upon reaching Oman, the bus route will pass by 11 stops before reaching the border. Notably, you can catch a bus from Oman to Dubai via these stops:

• Muscat Airport
• Burj Al Sahwa

From Sohar, or any other station in Muscat, a one-way bus ticket to Dubai costs OMR 5.5, while a round trip ticket costs OMR 9. The Sohar-Dubai bus departs at 6:20 am, 3:20 pm, and 11:00 pm. Please visit the Mwasalat website or call their office at +971-425-25909 for more details.

You’d be happy to know that the public bus from Dubai to Muscat is air-conditioned, offers free Wi-Fi access, and can seat up to 50 passengers. In other words, you can look forward to a safe and comfortable bus experience… not to mention beautiful views of the countryside along the way!

Another great thing about this bus route is that it stops at three bus stations within the UAE, making it easier for you to take the Metro or hail a taxi in case you need one!

Aside from the public bus route mentioned above, there are other buses between Dubai and Muscat, including those that are operated by private transport companies. For instance, there’s Al Khanjry buses, which depart at 6:00 am and 3:00 pm every day. You can catch this bus beside the Ruwi Bus Station in Muscat. This route makes only one stop in Sohar, where you can grab a bite or even do some shopping!

• Before you travel between the two countries ( i.e. UAE to Oman), be sure to take care of your visa requirements first.
• It’s best to arrive early at the bus station, at least 30 minutes before departure.
• At the UAE-Oman border, there’s an exit fee of AED 35 per head. Don’t forget to set aside this amount, make the payment, and keep your receipt!
• Along the border, the bus will stop at UAE customs, where you will get your exit stamp. Later, the bus will stop again at Oman customs, where everyone’s luggage will be checked.
• For a trouble-free trip, make sure you don’t bring any restricted or banned items !

Once you arrive in Oman, you’ll soon discover that aside from the capital city of Muscat, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in the Sultanate, including:

• Bahla , a historic city in northern Oman that includes a 13th century fort;
• Jebel Akhdar , also known as the Green Mountain and part of Al Hajar Mountains;
• Masirah Island , which is known for its gorgeous beaches and wildlife;
• Misfat Al Abryeen , a small mountain village featuring lush greenery;
• Ras Al Jinz , a turtle reserve known for protecting and repopulating sea turtles:
• Salalah , a major city and hometown of the reigning sultan in Oman; and
• Wahiba Sands , a desert paradise featuring camel rides and other adventures!

Because of its close proximity to the UAE, Oman is a favourite destination among travelers, even among tourists who are just visiting the country. Without a doubt, the Dubai-Muscat public bus route — aside from making travel easier — is a huge boost to tourism in both countries!

Meanwhile, if you are a newcomer to Dubai and you’re wondering how to get around, check out our post about different public transportation modes in the emirate.

DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information sharing purposes only. To know more about how you can travel from Dubai to Muscat (and vice versa), please visit the official websites of RTA Dubai and Mwasalat .

Just Go Exploring uses affiliate links. If you purchase something through them, I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. See my disclosures page for more info.

Driving From Dubai To Oman: What You Need To Know (2024)

• Last Updated: August 20, 2024
• Destinations , Middle East , Oman

Whether you live in Dubai, or are simply visiting, a trip to Oman is a must .  Best of all, you don’t need to fly.  

Driving from Dubai to Oman is fairly straightforward, and a great adventure. I’ve done it twice. There are only a few things to bear in mind.

Read on for all the information and tips you need to help you plan your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Driving From Dubai To Oman: Route Options

First of all, there are a few different route options when driving from Dubai to Oman.  

The two countries share several border crossings.   However, only certain border crossings are open to tourists and non- GCC ( Gulf Cooperation Counsel ) citizens .

Of these, there are three main crossings to consider .   Which one to take will depend on where you’re coming from/going to.

Note: if you are travelling from Oman to Dubai by road, these are also the three main border crossings I’d recommend you use.

Hatta – Al Wajajah border crossing

This is the border crossing which is closest to Dubai, so might make the most sense if you are pressed for time.  From the centre of Dubai, it’s 140 kms to the border and takes about 1 hour 40 mins.

This is also the quickest way of travelling from Sharjah to Oman by road, and takes a similar amount of time.

Do not attempt to use the border crossing at Al Madam , on the E44 road, as this is only open to citizens of GCC countries (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar).

Instead, take the E102, bypassing the small “spur” of Oman which sticks up into the UAE, before joining the E44 to cross the border at Hatta/Al Wajajah.  (See below map, which shows this more clearly.)

Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive 3 kilometres down the road before you reach the Omani immigration post.

From here, it’s 85 kilometres to Sohar (takes about an hour), or  310 km to Muscat (about 3.5 hours) along the main coastal road.

Using this route, the total distance from Dubai to Muscat by road is 450 kilometres.  

Assuming  the Oman border crossing is smooth and hassle-free (see below), the journey from Dubai to Oman by road should take between 5-6 hours.

Meyzad – Hafeet border crossing

Personally, I think this is a  more interesting option , as you get to see a very different part of the UAE before crossing the border.  It’s also a better option if you’re planning to head onwards towards Nizwa , Jebel Shams , or other destinations in central/southern Oman.

The Mezyad crossing is just the other side of  Al Ain , the largest inland city in the UAE.  I f you have the time, it’s worth breaking the journey here and having an explore. 

Al Ain, known as the “Garden City”, is an attractive place, built on an oasis in the desert, with lush greenery and tree-lined avenues.

It’s 160 kilometres from Dubai to the Mezyad border crossing, via the E66, and takes about 2 hours.

This is also a good crossing point if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi   (190 kilometres, takes 2 hours).  If you are  travelling from Abu Dhabi to Oman by road, the border formalities (see below) are the same as for  driving to Oman from Dubai.

Side note: if you’re planning to be in Abu Dhabi at any point between November and March, it’s well worth checking out the fantastic  Sheikh Zayed festival .  This annual festival showcases the cultural wealth and traditions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Khatm Al Shiklah border crossing

This is another crossing close to Al Ain, and takes a similar amount of time to get to as Mezyad.

The main difference is that, unlike Mezyad, the UAE and Oman border posts are nowhere near each other.  Once you’ve been stamped out of the UAE, you need to drive almost 30 kilometres before you reach the Omani border post.  

(This confused me a lot – I thought I’d accidentally driven into Oman without a stamp, but then didn’t know what to do about it so carried on driving…!)

As a result, this isn’t the best option if you’re simply driving to Oman from Dubai for a UAE visa run.  But on the other hand, this crossing is usually less busy than the others,  so you’ll probably get through more quickly.

Check out this post for some helpful Arabic words and phrases .

Border Formalities

The three border crossings noted above are usually hassle-free and fairly easy to navigate.  

When crossing from the UAE to Oman by road, y ou’ll need to complete an  immigration form .  Customs officials may also want to have a look inside your car.   (It’s best to avoid any obvious evidence that you’re carrying alcohol, if indeed you are.)

How long the formalities take depends on how busy the crossing is .   If possible, try to avoid weekends (Friday-Saturday) and public holidays , when there are often long queues of people  travelling from Dubai to Oman by car .

Depending on the traffic, the crossing can take anything from 15 minutes to 2 hours .

At the UAE border, you will need to pay an exit fee of 35 AED.   Card payments are usually accepted, though it’s a good idea to also carry cash, in case the card machine is having a bad day.

There is no fee to exit Oman.

Visas & visa services

Note: UAE citizens (i.e. UAE passport holders) can enter Oman without needing a visa.  However, this does not apply to non-citizen residents of the UAE.

The process of applying for an Oman visa for (non-citizen)  UAE residents is the same as for non-residents.  It all depends on your citizenship (i.e. nationality), not where you have residency.

Citizens of many countries can obtain an Omani tourist visa on arrival .  This costs 20 OMR and is valid for up to 30 days.  You’ll need at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your passport.

Certain nationalities can apply for an Omani eVisa in advance , which speeds up the process considerably.

** I always use, and strongly recommend,  iVisa.com .  Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use, and makes the whole  visa application process very straightforward . **

If you do opt to get a visa on arrival, you should be able to pay the visa fee using credit/debit card.   

Failing that, most major border crossings have ATMs, and/or a money exchange office where you can change AED to OMR cash.

When (/if) you cross back into the UAE, you’ll be given another  UAE tourist visa on arrival  for free.  Unless you were previously travelling on another type of visa – in which case, double-check that it allows multiple entries.

Car Hire In Dubai (make sure you're allowed to drive to Oman!)

(This is important!)

Not all car hire companies in Dubai will allow you to drive their cars into Oman.

If you’re planning to hire a car in Dubai , you must check with the hire company that they’re happy for it to be taken to Oman.  It’s a good idea to mention this to them when you’re shopping around for quotes, before you commit to the rental.

Some companies allow it, but others don’t.  Unhelpfully, companies tend to change their policies on this fairly frequently, so it’s not really possible to provide a definitive list here.  Always check before committing to renting a car.

Also, check to see if the rental company permits you to take their car off-roading if you intend to do any driving off the main paved roads.

The best deals on car hire in the UAE are usually found on localrent.com .  They compare the prices of local car rental companies, which tend to be significantly cheaper than the big international hire companies.

Click here for the latest prices.  

Additional Oman entry requirements from UAE

You’ll need to ask the hire company for an  NOC (No Objection Certificate) , giving written permission for you to drive the car into Oman.  There may, or may not, be an additional fee for the NOC.  

Border officials will almost certainly ask to see a copy of this, so make sure you get one!

You must also ensure that you take the car’s  registration card  (called a  “ mulkiya “ ) with you.  You need the  original card  (not a photocopy, which probably won’t be accepted by the border guards).  

Check it’s still in date and hasn’t expired!

If you’re driving a friend’s car, you should have their  proof of ownership , and their  written permission  for you to take the car into Oman (unless they are with you).  

This isn’t always asked for, but I’d recommend having it to avoid potential issues at the border.

*NEW* Dubai RTA Rule (updated December 2023)

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently introduced a new rule requiring a “ tourism certificate ” to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE.

To obtain this RTA approval/certificate, you need to take the following steps:

• Gather your Emirates ID or passport, the vehicle’s mulkiya /registration card, proof of ownership/NOC/written permission of the owner (if applicable), and company documents (for company-owned vehicles).
• Take these in person to any RTA “ Customer Happiness Centre ” or Vehicle Registration and Inspection Centre in Dubai.
• Present your documents at the front desk.
• Pay the required service fees (typically around 170 AED for most vehicle types).
• Obtain the tourism certificate from the centre.

Oman Car Insurance

You will need valid Oman car insurance that explicitly covers you whilst driving in Oman.  

Some Dubai car hire companies can provide this (ask for written proof of coverage).  If not, you can buy Omani third party insurance at the border.

Not all insurers cover off-road driving.   If this is something you’d like to do, check whether the insurers in question will cover you.  

And you’d obvs need a 4×4. 🙂

For tips and inspiration to help you plan the perfect Oman road trip, also check out  this article .

Other Practicalities

Driving from Dubai to Oman is, in general, very easy.   Most main roads are paved and in excellent condition.

A 2-wheel drive car is fine for accessing most places.  A 4×4 is only necessary if you want to head off road into the desert.

Once you get out of the main towns and cities, phone signal can be intermittent.  Download offline maps in advance (e.g. Google maps offline) if you plan to spend much time outside of the main population centres.

In both countries, road signs are written in Arabic and English , and traffic drives on the right .

It’s not technically illegal to bring small quantities of alcohol with you across the border, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this, to avoid any issues with customs.  (And if you do, keep it hidden.)

It’s obvious, but don’t drink and drive .  Both countries have a zero-tolerance limit (with stiff penalties issued by the Royal Oman Police), and you are likely to be breathalysed if involved in an accident.

Make sure your medical  travel insurance covers you whilst in Oman.  Policies that cover the UAE probably also cover Oman, but it’s always worth checking.

Speed limits in Oman are usually  120km/h on highways, 80-90km/h on rural roads, and 40km/h in urban areas, unless otherwise shown.

Here are  179 of my favourite  desert quotes and captions .

Dubai To Oman By Bus

If you don’t want to drive, Mwasalat operates a direct coach service from Dubai to Muscat, the capital city of Oman.

However, I don’t really recommend this option unless you only want to visit Muscat.   The public transport network in Oman isn’t very comprehensive and you might struggle to get around without a car.

In Dubai, you can catch the coach from Abu Hail station (in Deira), DXB airport T2 , or Rashidiya Metro Bus Station .  The service terminates in Muscat at Azaiba bus station.

Tickets cost  60 AED one way, and 95 AED return.  However, you must purchase a ticket before boarding the bus .  You cannot purchase a ticket online or on the bus itself.  Tickets are available from Abu Hail station and  the Mwasalat Office in Deira.

Check here for latest timetable information and further details.

Accommodation And Tours In Oman

Where to stay.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options throughout Oman to suit most budgets.

As with most countries in the region, there aren’t many ultra-cheap/shoestring options.  However, w hether you’re looking for a simple guesthouse, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury five-star palace, you won’t struggle to find somewhere decent to stay.

Click here to compare the latest prices and more details.

Oman is a very safe country and is easy to explore independently (provided you have your own car).

However, if you would prefer a guided tour to see the country’s highlights, there are many excellent companies to choose from.

Click here for more information.

Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about driving to Oman from Dubai.

Is it safe to drive from UAE to Oman?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to drive to Oman from the UAE. The roads are in excellent condition and it’s an easy drive.

Do I need a visa to visit Oman by road from UAE?

Citizens of most countries need a visa to visit Oman, whether you’re arriving by road or by air. Check on  iVisa.com to see which Oman visa rules apply to you.

Dubai to Oman distance?

The distance from Dubai to Oman is 140 kilometres to the Hatta border, or 160 kilometres to the Mezyad border.

See here for the  best family-friendly places to visit in Dubai . And see here to read more about  hotels, jobs, and other things in Dubai .

** Love road trips?  Me too.  Check out some of my other road trip-related posts, including:

• Oman Road Trip: An Epic Arabian Adventure
• Romania Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know
• The Perfect Albania Road Trip
• Best Places To Visit In Northern Turkey  **

Like This Article? Pin it!

Essential Travel Resources

🛏️   Book cheap hotels

I always use Booking.com to find the best deals on hotels. Vrbo is great for short-term apartments.

🚗  Find cheap rental cars

Check both Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com to find cheap rental cars.

🌍  Book the best tours

Viator and GetYourGuide  have a huge selection of tours in virtually every destination worldwide.

✈️  Find cheap flights

I use a combination of Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights. 

Airalo is my favourite travel eSIM provider – I’ve used it in over 10 countries and really rate it. So much easier than buying physical SIM cards when you travel!

🚑   Do I need travel insurance?

YES! Never travel without adequate travel insurance. It’s just not worth the risk.

• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, SafetyWing is super flexible and affordable. You can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and activate and deactivate it whenever you need to. I’ve made several claims in the last few years and thoroughly recommend this company.
• World Nomads – for  adventurous travellers , covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as  skydiving, heli-skiing,  rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here ).

💻  Do I need a VPN?

YES! Always use a VPN whenever you use public WiFi (in airports, cafes, hotels, stations, etc.). This helps protect your personal information and also bypasses internet censorship and restrictions in certain countries. I use NordVPN and highly recommend it.

Alex Tiffany

I believe in transparency: Please note that some links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something through them, I might earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. (For example, a s an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through some of these links.)  However, I only link to products and companies that I trust and honestly recommend. See my  disclosures page for more information. The income goes towards keeping this site up and running. Thanks for your support.

50 Comments

Hi Alex, thanks a million for your very interesting and useful blog! We hope to be able to travel to Oman in January (if Covid lets us in;-). We’ll first fly from Europe to Dubai, and hope to find a rental company which allows us to drive their cars to Oman. May I ask you a couple of questions as you seem to know A LOT about UAE/Oman: among the 3 border crossing points you mention, do you know if they are all ok for European tourists with a UAE-Dubai-rental car or would you recommend one of them? Do you know if it is possible to get the Oman-visa at the border crossing points too (and not at the airport since we would enter the country by car), or would you advise to apply for it online? I read that a visa for up to 10 or 14 days is free of charge for EU citizens at the Mascate airport, but was not able to figure out if the same conditions apply for land crossing points. THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE for your help, and best regards! Anne (from Brittany, France, best place on Earth hahaha)

Hi Anne, glad to be able to help.

All 3 of the border crossings I mention in this article are fine for European tourists with a Dubai rental car.

In terms of which of the three crossings to use, the Hatta – Al Wajajah crossing is the closest to Dubai and probably the most popular one to use. However, the drive from the Meyzad – Hafeet border to Muscat is more scenic and interesting. Personally, I’d use the Meyzad – Hafeet border, though any of those 3 are fine.

If you’re a French/EU citizen, unless the Omani authorities decide to change the rules last minute (always a small possibility), you should be able to get a free visa on arrival at the border (applies to land borders and airports equally). You’ll either get 10 or 14 days — I can’t work out whether there’s a rule on who gets 10 and who gets 14… but if you’re only planning to be there for 10 days or less, you’ll be fine either way 🙂

You could apply for an e-visa in advance if you prefer, but it’s not technically necessary, and I don’t think it’s free. Personally, I think it’s fine to just get the free one at the border (though keep an eye on the news in the days running up to your trip, in case there are any changes to the rules). I’d also definitely bring a couple of printed passport photos with you. They have photo booths at the main border crossing points, but you can’t always rely on these to be working.

You’ll need to show the immigration people QR codes confirming you are fully vaccinated against covid, and have received a negative PCR test result (taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in Oman).

Before entering Oman, you also need to complete a pre-registration form at the eMushrif website and upload your vaccine certification and PCR test result.

In terms of car hire, not all companies allow you to take their cars from UAE into Oman. The list of companies which allow it does change periodically, so you should call them up and check before paying for one. Bigger international companies like Avis and Hertz are more likely to say yes than small local ones, but definitely call them to check first!

Enjoy your trip! Oman is awesome

If traveling by land, from EUA to Omand without any covid -19 vax certification what are the issues if any? Thanks

Hope you are good, and really appreciate for in-depth info, just wondering that if i have a bank mortgaged car on my name is it ok to travel to oman in the same car or shall i be requiring any sort of NOC from the Bank.

Hi Alex, Do you have any format or sample of NOC letter to be shown at border if iam taking my friend’s car

We’re planning a trip to Oman in February 2022. We also want to rent a car in Dubai to cross the border to Oman. The car rental I normally use doesn’t allow to cross the border. Can you tell me the name of the car rental you used?

@Alex: your detailed information about crossing the border is so useful to plan our trip. Thanks!

Many thanks Alex for the blog which I found very useful for my recent road trip from Dubai to Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. We used the Mezyad crossing as you suggested and it was really quick both ways. We left early around 5 am on 1 December, the beginning of the 4 day long weekend in UAE, expecting long queues at the border. But barring a pack of bikers, which marginally delayed the departure from the UAE side of the border, it was a very smooth exit. All counters were drive through (unless you don’t have an evisa for Oman in which case you will have to leave the car at the parking lot on the Oman side to walk to the visa office). There were 2 on UAE side, one to check and stamp the passports and the next one to validate. On the Oman side, you first drive to the counter where the vaccination records and pcr reports are checked. Then drive to the passport control counter where your evisa, passport, vehicle registration and drivers license are checked. It is best to obtain an evisa, otherwise you will need to drive to an adjoining visa office, apply and get one on the spot. On busy days, this can be delayed. Then drive to the vehicle inspection bay where you may be asked to open the boot and perhaps the bags as well for customs. It took us just below an hour from the beginning of the Mezyad border post on the UAE side to the end of the Oman side of the crossing.

Returned today (4th December), through the same crossing. Took less than 5 minutes on the Oman side of the immigration (drive through) and another 20 minutes on the UAE side. We are a family of 4 so on the UAE side we were asked to park the car and go to the departure hall nearby where passport control formalities were completed in 5 minutes. Then we drove to the medical counter where our pcr and vaccine records were checked and finally car contents checked at the last stop. All in all very smooth exit and entry back to UAE.

One point to note is that on the Oman side after the border crossing, there are no good cafes or restaurants. So best to stock up on food and drink.

Glad you had a good (and easy) trip! Thanks very much for the extra detail and info here, all incredibly useful.

Hi Mr.Alex Please let me know if I have bank loan with my car,I can cross Oman border from Dubai.

we are planning to stay in Oman for 6 days.

Do we (currently) have to take a PCR test before going back to the UAE?

Each of the emirates has their own rules regarding testing for (re)entry. For example, Abu Dhabi has stricter rules than Dubai. But my understanding is that most (if not all) of the emirates currently require you to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before travel. I’d recommend checking the health section of the official website for the emirate you will be returning to, to ensure you have the most up to date information. For Abu Dhabi, it’s https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel

thanks a million Alex for all your hints!! Great to see the other message concerning border crossing Oman/UAE, too, very useful. Best regards from Brussels!

You’re very welcome! 🙂

Hello Alex, This is Pratheep, I am planning to visit Muscat with my family, driving my car that is still under bank loan. Do we have to carry NOC from the bank to cross the border? Kindly advise Thanks Pratheep

Hi Pratheep, I don’t have any personal experience with this I’m afraid.

My understanding (from doing some online research) is that it depends on the terms of your mortgage with the bank. Some banks require NOCs, others don’t. Each bank will have its own rules, there’s no hard and fast rule that covers all, unfortunately. You could ask your bank and see what they say?

Many people appear to have done the crossing without obtaining a NOC (even if they technically should’ve had one), with no issues. This might be a breach of the terms of your mortgage agreement with the bank (depending on what it says). I’m afraid I can’t advise whether it’s worth taking that risk, it’s up to you. I’m sorry that’s not a perfect answer.

Planning to drive to oman after obtaining thr dubai/oman join visa at arrival DXB will be driving to buriami via hatta/AL wajajah border on a rental car. Do I need a NOC as well as an orange card ?

Hello Pradeep, Can you tell me about your experience on taking ban financed car to Oman? It is allowed? Do we need letter?

Going to Oman with a mortgaged car is allowed as long as it belongs to you or your spouse. You don’t need any additional document apart from Registration card and and insurance that is valid in Oman.

Hi Navin, thanks for the info. But how can we prove that the car belongs to me if it’s mortgaged, because on the mulkiya, the owner name will be the bank’s. Please advise. Thanks.

Hi Hanne, Unfortunately, we ended up cancelling our trip to Oman in January because of a major incident in our family, but do hope to be able to go in March. So I can not give you any feedback about the car rental company and how it worked out the cross the Omani border. The company’s name is Dollar Car rental. They have several offices at the airport and downtown Dubai. You can check online for their deals. I might come back to you later in February, maybe you will be able to tell me how it worked out for you. We should be leaving on March 4th. Enjoy your trip !! Best regards, Anne

I need to know the method for a US citizen who once visits Dubai, stays there for 30 days, drives to Oman and return back to Dubai getting a re entry for UAE for 30 days the same day.

Great article! Much appreciated. I have two specific questions: – If I do pcr in Dubai and will get to Oman and back within 72 hours, will it work on the bordeR? – I’ve seen some mentioning about “Oman exit permit”, is it required for a Oman-UAE crossing?

Thanks, Aleh

Hello Alex, excellent post, could not have been more helpful in helping me understand what is required to get into Oman from Dubai. My wife and I are planning a trip to Oman (Muscat) from Dubai this month and in mapping the route, I discovered a border crossing you did not mention – Khatmat Milaha. Do you have any experience with this one? If so, what should I look out for? I will be driving my sister’s car (not traveling with us).

Hi Sherief, I am looking at a similar route, may I ask if you tried the Khatmat Milaha crossing?

Hey Alex, thank you so much for the guide! This looks like it was a really cool trip. You’ve inspired me to go on a similar trip on the future. Keep up the fantastic work!

do a UAE resident needs a PCR to travel to Oman? can we take the car insurance from the boarder?

can i have noc letter format for using my friends car

Hi noushil if u have noc format please share

Hello! If someone is driving in their own car with valid registration and insurance, do they need another insurance to enter oman? Is that optional ? How much can we expect for 3rd party insurance? Thanks Inayat

Hi Alex, I’m planning to go to Salalah during the EID holidays. As it is going to be a loooong drive I’m planning to start at 2 AM from Dubai. My question is are insurance companies open at Al Mezyad border at this hour. I will probable reaching the border around 3.30 AM. Also is it possible to buy Omani sim card at the border crossing at this hour. Thank you. Regards Ramkrish

July 12 I want to visit Oman with my family’s members 5 We have full vaccinated as Sinofarm Pfizer.its ok for tour? Now need PCR? My own car models 2004;it’s ok?

Hi, Can I drive company car to Oman? If I can then what are the documents required? please suggest me Thank you

Good day Alex, Is it allowed to cross into North Oman from Dibba by car ? My understanding is you can only enter from RAK side as the border in Dibba is only for locals or if you have a Dhow cruise booking. Can you please advise,

Very thankful for you to share all the things required to go from Dubai to Oman via road, I am leaving in Oman but I haven’t visited Dubai yet and I was planning to go but now I am clear that I will go from road and enjoy my trip thanks for sharing this information.

Hi can you please tell me if I can use ky company car. What is the requirements that they will ask from the border. I need your advice. Please thank you.

Hi, im planning a trip in October and would like to know if the border is open for driving with your own vehicle and do i need a special letter to produce at the border or just the normsl mulkiya etc. Also confirm the fees applicable/visas.

Great information! Here is a question: for renting a car in Dubai to drive to Oman, is there any reason/benefit to me bringing proof of insurance in my home country (Canada) from my insurance company here? I.e. is Omani auto insurance cheaper if I do?

We will be renting and driving across in November this year…definitely planning on the route that lets us stop at Al Ain on the way to Muscat.

Thank you, Shawn

Thank you for the detailed information. My daughter and her family are visiting us (all US passport holders) and we were planning to meet them in Dubai and drive back to Muscat. I am getting mixed messages about the visa they need, and do not want to get stuck at the border crossing as they have a small baby. Any tips you can give regarding visa for borders to Muscat and return would really be appreciated. TIA

Thanks for share very informative article. I am planning for trip in next month . I went to go on long drive , so i buy used car on installment in uae. so i can enjoy my trip . thanks fristchoicecars making my trip tension free.

Al Wajajah border crossing between Dubai and Oman is the preferred choice and most popular route for driving from Dubai to Muscat. The Hatta border post is only 140km from Dubai. By car it takes less than two hours to reach from Dubai. Other is Musandam Oman where mostly go on a day trip.

hello, just wanted a small help i am driving a company car and i was not allowed ro pass the HATTA border as they were asking for some Registration certificate how do i get the certificate and from where in UAE need your support on this

Hi Anand – you’ll need to ask the company that owns the car for this document. They should have it as they’ll need it to register the car.

Thank you for sharing important aspects but as I’m new in Dubai I’ve been fined by RTA twice. What do you advise me to follow so I can avoid getting these if I’m planning to go to Oman by road?

I’m not really in a position to advise in relation to your RTA fines I’m afraid. I guess it depends what the fines were for. My advice would be to reach out to RTA and ask them as they’ll be in a much better position to answer your query.

Rule changed for Company/Rent A Cars

Hi Dears, I tried to go to Oman in my Company Car yesterday via Hatta Wajajah border. I have NOC and original Mulkhiya also. But the border police denied my travel saying that they now need RTA approval as well. Please note that you cannot drive even in your friend’s car as well although you have NOC form.

RTA approval is mandatory now.

That’s very helpful to know, thank you. I’ll update the post accordingly.

Hi all. I am actually planning to go to Musadam for a ONE day trip, on 31st Dec. But my car registration expiry is on 4th Jan. Is it possible for me to go???? I have read through many articles, i saw only information that it shouldn’t be expired. So, im confused if “going to expire” registration status will be accepted at border.

I’m not sure on this one. I’d guess it should be fine as long as it’s currently still valid, but I can’t say for definite. Personally, I would check with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just to be sure. You now need to get a “tourism certificate” from them to drive vehicles registered in Dubai outside the UAE (see above section on this), so you might as well ask them about the expiry date at the same time.

It’s really informative. Recently, I had to go to Oman for my business purposes. Basically, I am a content writer specializing in companies. Firstly, I visit companies and offer to enhance their online visibility. However, during my journey from Dubai to Oman, I received fines twice. Is it possible to receive fines from RTA multiple times? Because I am new here. If yes, is there any way to get a discount on them or can we delay these fines for 2 or 3 months?

Leave a Comment Cancel

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• I’m Alex Tiffany. Originally from the UK, I’ve been travelling on-and-off for 13+ years. I love offbeat travel and discovering lesser-known spots.
• I’m here to help you explore the best off-the-beaten-path destinations & hidden gems around the world.
• Read more about me and my mission here .
• Need some help planning the perfect trip?  Hire me as your Personal Travel Planner .

Popular Posts

• 23 Epic Off-The-Beaten-Path Travel Destinations
• 29 Hidden Gems in Scotland
• 8 Best National Parks For Safari In Sri Lanka

Copyright © 2024 Just Go Exploring. All rights reserved.

  Privacy Policy | Disclosures | Terms of Use & Disclaimers | Sitemap

• Sightseeing City Tours
• Desert Safari Dubai
• Dinner Cruises
• Desert Safari Abu Dhabi
• Ras Al Khaimah Tours & Desert Safari
• Special Interest Tours

Oman Tours From Dubai

P:S Suncity Tours offers Free visas to Oman  & border crossing assistance to tourists.

The Dubai to Oman tour package starts from your desired location in Dubai. Your tour guide will assist with visa & immigration procedures. it will take approximately 10 minutes to clear the border.

Oman Day tour From Dubai Itinerary

• Sohar Royal Grand Mosque – beautifully tiled in a turquoise and gold palette.
• Qurum Beach & Nature Reserve – Excellent swimming opportunity in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman.
• Mutrah Corniche – Views of Port, Omani Dhow Harbor, and Watchtowers, along with the Al Lawati Mosque, fish market & Sultan’s Superyacht.
• Mutrah Souk – One of the oldest souks in the Middle East – selling Kuma ( special Omani hats) & Disdasha along with artifacts and antics. frankincense, gold & silver jewelry, Omani halwa, Khanjar (Omani Dagger)
• Mutrah Fort – Great views of Mutrah and the harbor.
• Bayt Al Zubair (Bayt Al Zubayr) Museum – Private museum displays Omani0 Weaponry, Omani village models, handicrafts, frankincense trees, and artifacts.
• Sultan’s Place or Al Alam Palace (Flag Palace) – One of the most important residences of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said – raised Omani flag at the entrance indicates the Sultan’s presence in the Palace.
• Al Mirani Fort – Built by the Portuguese in the 16 th  century
• Al Jalali Fort – “Ash sharqiya”
• Royal Opera House Muscat – Art, Music & Culture.
• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – One of the Biggest Mosques in the world accommodating over 20000 worshippers, sandstones, hand-woven Persian carpets, and crystals.
• Riyam Memorial – The frankincense burner
• Old Light House Muttrah – Stunning views of the harbor.
• Muscat Heights – is an amazing place to admire Muscat City.
• Muscat Gate Museum – Oman history along with Stunning views of Fort & Corniche
• Haramel Fishing Village – A sleepy Omani fishing village.

Pricing Details

We organize similar Oman day tours from UAE – Abu Dhabi to Oman tour package , Ras Al Khaimah to Oman tour package , Fujairah to Oman tour package .

Please check your overnight stay in Muscat Oman with our unique  Oman 2-day and 1 Night Package tour from Dubai 

Book Oman Tour Packages from Dubai at +97143570966 / +971589205786 

Related Tours

Booking for Oman Tours From Dubai

Your Nationality ----- Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Canada Cambodia Cameroon Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea Kuwait Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Barthelemy Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten (Netherlands) Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia & S. Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands United Kingdom United States of America U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Pick Location

Your Message

Previous Tour

Quick links.

• Desert Safari Dubai – Dubai City Tour 2024
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

The Wandering Whites

• Family Travel

Dubai to Oman Road Trip

If you are living in the UAE a Dubai to Oman Road Trip should be on your bucket list. Dubai to Muscat is around 550km by road and takes about 5-6 hours including the border crossing. Read on to plan your 6-day Dubai to Oman road trip itinerary.

If you are looking to spend less time, maybe a 4-day itinerary on your Dubai to Oman road trip then you could cut a day in Muscat and the final stop in Jebel Akhdar. Jebel Akhdar is well worth a visit but could be done on a trip by itself where you can spend a few days.

If you are looking for some inspiration on which wadis to visit then check out our post on the 3 Best Wadis in Oman for all the information.

What visa do I need to go to Oman?

If you are a resident in the UAE you can now get an e-visa to Oman before leaving home. This will save time during the border crossing. All GCC residents qualify for an Oman GCC Residence e-Visa, you just need to apply in advance. Allow 3 days for the visa to come through to be on the safe side. You can apply on the Oman E-Visa website, just register first then apply for the visa.

I haven’t travelled to Oman since the e-visa has been put in place so I can’t advise first hand how straight forward it is. However, from reading information online and speaking to others who have done it, the process is pretty simple.

Apply for an online Oman e-visa here.

Day 1 – Dubai to Muscat (3 nights)

The first stop on a Dubai to Oman road trip would naturally be Muscat . Muscat can be reached in around 5 hours crossing at the Hatta border. Apply for an e-visa before travelling. Once across the border, expect 3-4 hours of long, straight roads with minimal petrol stations – fill up Hatta side!

Day 2 and 3 – What to do in Muscat

Muscat is the capital of Oman and offers an array of activities. Plenty to keep you busy for 3 nights, especially as the first night will be mainly taken up by the Dubai to Oman road trip.

Make sure to include a day on a boat trip dolphin spotting or over to Dimaniyat islands where you can go snorkelling with turtles. We had an amazing morning on Dimaniyat island, you can read our full review here. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is beautiful. Spend an evening in Mutrah at the Souq, Corniche and Fort. If you are a golfer then play at Al Mouj golf course , number 2 golf course in the Middle East.

Check out Get Your Guide for some great Muscat tours where you can see all the landmarks in one day.

Where to Stay in Muscat

Muscat has a plethora of hotels from simple hotels, mid-range, luxury up to super luxury. Here are some of our best picks:

Top Luxury Muscat Hotels

If you are looking for a true luxurious escape whilst in Muscat, check out the relatively new Jumeirah Muscat Bay . A stunning hotel from the Jumeirah group. There is also the renowned Chedi Muscat and The Ritz Al Bustan Palace for incredible 5* properties.

Luxury Muscat Hotel

We stayed at the gorgeous, luxurious 5 star beach resort at InterContinental Muscat for our most recent trip to Muscat. They have beautiful, sea-view family rooms, amazing facilities and lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. This is a licensed hotel as well so it was lovely to enjoy a cocktail at sunset.

Read our review of the InterContinental Hotel Muscat here.

Mid Range Hotel

We also spent two nights at the stunning 5* Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat. This hotel is perfect for large families with villas, apartments and interconnecting rooms. Rooftop pool, mall access and city centre location with affordable prices are things we loved about this hotel.

Read our review of the Grand Millennium Hotel Muscat here.

Budget Hotel

We have also stayed at the Ramada Encore Muscat Hotel which is a budget hotel without compromising on quality. Good sized family rooms with great Italian restaurant and rooftop pool in a city centre location with budget prices.

Check out our detailed post on how to spend a weekend in Muscat.

You could probably spend just 2 nights in Muscat if you have limited time. However, after the drive and long drives to follow we wanted to relax and slowly explore the city, enjoying the slower pace to Dubai.

Day 3 – Muscat to Ras Al Jinz (1 night)

Muscat to Ras Al Jinz will take 3 hours, direct, on your Dubai to Oman road trip. However, you will want to stop at some incredible wadis on the way.

Stop 1 – Bimmah Sinkhole

Have an early breakfast and get on the road quickly heading to your first stop at Bimmah Sinkhole. This is a popular stop so the earlier the better. It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Muscat.

Parking is outside what looks like a small children’s play area, don’t be put off! Walk through the park and you will come to the swimming hole. If you have swimming shoes, bring them. Watch out for the little fish nibbling your feet. Make this a short stop as Wadi Shab, the next stop is a longer stop with a hike.

Check out our post on everything you need to know about Bimmah Sinkhole

Stop 2 – Wadi Shab

Next stop on your Dubai to Oman road trip will be Wadi Shab , only another 25 minutes from Bimmah Sinkhole. As always, our advice is arrive early – parking is limited.

Make sure you have change when arriving in Wadi Shab as you will have to pay the boat man 1 Omani Rial to cross from the car park to the wadi (a 2minute journey).

Once across the wadi there is a 45min-1hour walk to reach the main Wadi Shab. It is pretty straightforward along a path with some climbing over large boulders.

The scenery we saw on our walk was amazing, beautiful blue/green water, tall cliffs and green spaces.

Read our post here for all the information about visiting Wadi Shab.

Turtles or no turtles?

From Wadi Shab it is another 2 hour drive to Ras Al Jinz. If you have previously experienced seeing turtles during other travelling experiences you could omit Ras Al Jinz from the trip. There is a Guest House in Wadi Shab which is well rated on booking.com. Alternatively, you could continue down to Sur which is 1.5 hours. The Sur Grand Hotel has a good booking.com rating. Staying here would break up the journey to Wadi Bani Khalid the next day.

Stop 3 – Ras Al Jinz (1 night)

The southern most point on our Dubai to Oman road trip.

Ras Al Jinz is famous for green turtle spotting who return year after year. Be aware that the prime time for turtles laying their eggs and hatching on the beach is July – October (the hottest months). If you visit outside of peak season you may not even see any turtles so plan this into your trip accordingly.

We went in April and were advised to go to the night viewing, we wanted to go to the sunrise session but were told not to because of the time of year. It was packed with bus loads of tourists and we were all waiting til around 10pm until a turtle was spotted. It’s about a 15minute walk in complete darkness across soft sand so would not be advisable for elderly or immobile people. You are asked to be silent and people were shushing our boys when they were whispering and asking questions. It might not be the best experience for kids under 5.

Seeing the turtle was a pretty memorable experience, the turtle was huge. However, we have been spoilt by seeing turtles hatch naturally in Sri Lanka and Thailand. So this felt like a bit of a tourist factory. Although, I have since heard that the sunrise viewing is magical. I think this would be a better option for young kids.

If you have experienced turtles hatching before then I would consider leaving out this part of the Dubai to Oman road trip.

Where to Stay in Ras Al Jinz

Ras Al Jinz Reserve Hotel rooms are quite pricey so we stayed in the basic Turtle Guest House within walking distance. We picked up a dominos pizza on the drive through Sur and kept it cheap and simple!

Day 4 – Ras al Jinz to Nizwa (1 night)

The road from Ras al Jinz to Nizwa is another long one at around 4 hours. We broke the journey up with a bit of a detour to Wadi Bani Khalid which took 2 hours.

Stop 1 – Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid was our favourite out of the wadis we visited on this trip. A very accessible, family-friendly wadi. Short walks, a little bit of scrambling over rocks and gorgeous, clear, blue water to swim in.

After Wadi Bani Khalid it is another 2 hours to get to Nizwa. Many people choose to go back to Muscat at this point but we think Nizwa should be included on your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Click here to read our detailed post for everything you need to know about Wadi Bani Khalid.

Day 4 – Nizwa

Nizwa was previously the capital of Oman, it is a town that still retains traditions and culture. It is a walled town containing souks, heritage hotels, small coffee shops and most famously, the fort. A perfect place to experience Omani hospitality and absorb yourself in their way of life.

Where to Stay in Nizwa

We stayed at the stunning Antique Inn , within the town walls. A true traditional Oman hotel with the bonus of a swimming pool to relax for a few hours before another drive the next day.

You can read more about our time in Nizwa in our post here.

Day 5 – Nizwa to Jebel Akhdar (1 night)

The shortest drive of the trip at only around 1 hour so make sure to spend some time chilling out in Nizwa before setting off. As you enter Jebel Akhdar there is a police check of insurance and driving licence. You will also need to be driving a 4×4 to pass the police check and enter the mountain.

Jebel Akhdar is a series of mountain peaks offering temperatures considerably cooler that Dubai. Making it an often sort after escape location during summer months. The scenery is wonderful, small villages, traditional ways of life and fresh air make it worth the drive during your Dubai to Oman road trip.

Where to Stay in Jebel Akhdar

If you are looking for a true traditional Oman hotel then consider staying at The Suwgra . Formerly known as Cliffside Hotel, it is an ancient village that has been transformed into a hotel. It has been built into the cliff and you will need to do a short 20minute hike down the wadi and back up the other side. Don’t worry your luggage will be taken over by zipline – check this out .

Read through our post with all the information on a traditional Oman hotel in Jebel Akhdar for further information. You can also check out our Instagram Reel with some highlights.

If this kind of adventure is not your thing there are some stunning hotels on Jebel Akhdar like The Anantara and Alila Jebel Akhdar which are worth splurging on.

Day 6 – Jebel Akhdar to Dubai

Expect this last drive to take around 6 hours including the border crossing through Al Ain. A long, straight road. Get the ipads charged, podcasts downloaded and fill up on snacks. We considered stopping for a night in Al Ain on the way back however decided we would just want to get home.

There are many lovely options in Al Ain like the Rotana or Radisson Blu . Al Ain is great part of the UAE to explore, you can drive up Jebel Hafeet and even stay at the Mercure Grand and include a trip to Al Ain Zoo.

Oman is wonderful country that we love and will continue to explore. Enter your email address to get our posts as we publish them to keep up to date with our adventures. You can also check out our Instagram @dubaiandbeyond_ for lots more pictures and videos on our Guides, Reels, Posts and Highlights.

If you enjoyed reading this post Dubai to Oman road trip then check out 7 Stunning Places in Oman or a weekend in Musandam . If you enjoy camping have a read of Hiking and Camping in Dibba, Oman . More outdoor adventures can be found on 10 day trips from Dubai . Everything you need to know about Dubai and the UAE is full of ideas or our Destinations Page has lots more worldwide family travel ideas.

Disclaimer:  This post  Dubai to Oman Road Trip,  has affiliate links  and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you .

Keep Up-To-Date

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

• Who are we?
• Working With Us

AED 213 Find cheap flights from Dubai to Oman

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from dubai to oman departing on 27/9. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to oman.

Save 17% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to use There are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Best Oman Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking oman flights, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from dubai to oman.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Dubai to Oman.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Dubai to Oman?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Oman from Dubai is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Dubai to Oman?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Oman with an airline and back to Dubai with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Dubai to Oman?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Oman from Dubai up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Oman

• Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Dubai to the following destinations at these prices or less: Muscat AED 328 one-way - AED 996 round-trip
• Morning departure is around 19% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.

Top 5 airlines serving from Dubai to Oman

The flight was slightly delayed because of change of plane but informed beforehand. Flight was very good and comfortable

Superb like always. On time and quite comfortable. Only thing is that the arrival movement was by bus.

We were boarded by bus. That was a bit of pain.

If you fly more often with Oman on the same route, you will realize the offered food is always the same. Quality of food is good, however, it is getting boring to know there is a soup or salad with goat cheese as starten and maincourse there is lamb, fish or vegetarian pasta. Pasta is always nice.

Man to Muscat the staff were poor. Missed bringing drinks to me & ran out of Beer. I didn't get a drink. Muscat to BKK staff excellent, food ok, and I was offered a drink.

Really a nice flight. , very comfortable seats and leg space.

Oman Air is on the relation Muscat-Salalah without any serious competition and that's to feel same as the metall bars of your seat in your backside after this flight. Don't expect anything other than being brought from A to B and you won't be disappointed

Everything was great in the business class. Seats 1A and 1C wouldn't recline properly. If i stood up then it did recline, even when the crew checked it he made me stand up recline it all the way and then he said "ok now you can sit" i just laughed it off.

We missed our connection due to technical issues with the plane. We were stuck in Oman Airport for 5 hours, had to overnight there, got rerouted to London, were denied boarding on the plane, were then seated separately (as a family of 5), did not receive any notification of our luggage being in London, were denied boarding for the AA flight to Chicago, and then all seated separately again. Finally our luggage was lost. Worst experience ever. Will never fly on this airline again

The crew could have offered us seats together as the flight was half empty. But overall, the service quality was good as well as the food and entertainment options. Would love to fly Oman Air again.

Smooth until we get in the plane it was so small and uncomfortable the whole flight, apparently they have Changed the plane and I don’t know what was the problem this flight is from mct to phuket - on my way back everything was perfect

Although a short regional flight, Oman Air continues to provide excellent service, and personal attention. I always find the Oman Air leg of an international flight less stressful and more personable.

The whole trip was well organised, and pleasantly executed. As with most Qatar Airways flights the staff were particularly attentive and supportive. The Q Suite was the "icing on the cake".

This flight was a dreamliner so I think the space was ok for the legs, but the option for food was again limited and the crew was same.

Boarding was efficient, had to check in cabin luggage. Seats were narrow, food was more in quantity, received cabin luggage on the luggage belt which was fine.

Needs better seat for business class. My seat was falling apart. Also no WiFi on that flight

In never flown this flight, because my flight coning from Barcelona was delayed.

Only 1 time food and drinks together was offered, for total 5 hours duration drinks and snacks was never offered. For some people food choice was not available, only veg was available. No entertainment option was there. Crew members were mostly back of the flight asking each other for KitKat and chips to share between them.

Etihad flight sector is a local . .give the same quality upto destination

Seat selection screen while online check-in could include free seats to choose from and show the options before we proceed. Currently, it is auto-allocated and there are no options for free seat selections.

Lovely crew - comfortable journey despite it being an older plane.

Online was good boarding also but a child was crying all the way with no intervention from crew member.

1st of all on February 27th Abu Dhabi to Delhi flight the seat wasn't comfortable at all, coming back the Lounge at Abu Dhabi didn't have anything. Than the Food in the flight

The timing for this flight is really odd.. at 4.45AM If it was 1AM or 8AM it would be great. I guess its probably for European connecting flights with Emirates? Anyway, for a budget airline, the business class product in FlyDubai is quite decent. You even get Champagne, although 4AM is an off time to have it. The Throne seat for me while is great for privacy, sleeping isn't great for the foot extension. This flight is great for me due to its direct nature but if Emirates did it, I would choose that.

The quality is worse and worse , this business ticket pricing is overpriced !!!!

The Plane was very small.. domestic route will perfect not international

If I have a choice I would not use this airline. They moved by booking to Smart Wings, an airline they code share with. Changing terminals in buses and dealing with some of the staff associated with it is not the best experience. Having stated that I must share that the crew of Smart Wings airlines was polite.

Consider serving food to all passengers regardless of food reservation status during booking.

This was a smartwings operated flight. Flydubai is no longer value for money. Their prices are as high as emirates whereas delays, services and overall quality is as low as any other low cost carrier.

The only highlight on this flight was the taste of the food, which was surprisingly good. Everything else was below average, and the cabin crew service especially stood out for being slow and inattentive. We were surrounded by toddlers/babies and it made our 4 hour flight feel like 10 hours. Granted, that's not the airline's fault, but it added to the overall subpar experience.

Second-row economy doesn't have leg space if you are 6 feet

מלון חבל על הזמן השאר יום יומיים סבבה אבל בחוץ חום כלבים

Very helpful and welcoming crew, good food in fair quantities, enough space for the legs. Surprisingly good quality for a "lowcoster".

The seat condition was very poor . The seats handles was broken the wire inside the seat handle was out .It was very ugly scene and very uncomfortable to be in this situation. Please keep ur flight seat in good condition to respect your passengers . Regards

Salam air flights are very full . So there is no way to fallow Covid 19 protocol . All seats are occupied . They should consider less passenger in each flight .

Book cheap flights from Dubai to Oman

Recent return flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights from dubai to oman, last minute flight, train and bus deals, everything you need to know for your flight from dubai to oman, information on your arrival and departure airports, complete your trip to oman with a hotel stay or car hire, flights to popular cities in oman, find deals for your return flight.

Oman Road Trip from Dubai + Places to Stop

Oman is a country that is easily accessible from Dubai in two directions; to the north is Musandam and to the south east Muscat. Musandam is a brilliant weekend get away from Dubai in spring or autumn (it gets super hot in summer) and you can read all about it here . However, our Oman road trip this time was heading south east towards Muscat, Nizwa and the surrounding areas.

Places to Stop

Our first overnight stop on our Oman road trip was the town of Nizwa in the foot hills of Jebel Shams and the Hajar Mountain range. From miles before the town the landscape became shaped by rocky mountains made up of many different layers making it look like we were entering Mars or similar. The town of Nizwa sits on a dried up river basin with plenty of date palms lining the outskirts. It has a very ‘old Arabia’ feel to the town with gorgeous architecture and friendly locals. The main attraction in the town is the fort which is stunning from both outside and in. Be sure to visit early as it gets very hot during the summer months. The town is also home to a traditional souq; selling all kinds of food stuffs and handicrafts.

Accommodation

We stayed at the Golden Tulip hotel which was around a 10 minute drive out of the main town, which almost felt like the middle of nowhere. There were mountains on all sides as far as the eye could see and the hotel was a grand affair. Our stay here was brilliant, from delicious food to a huge modern room with terrace all for under 500AED. We chose to stay here due to its swimming pool, one thing I’ve learnt about travelling in the summer in the middle east is you’ll always need somewhere to cool off! There were slightly cheaper deals to be had if you didn’t want a pool however.

Misfat Village

This spot is around 30 minutes from Nizwa towards the mountains, with most of that time being spent driving through Al hamra and ascending the hill to get to Misfat. From afar you’ll spot a small village with colorful houses and several locals going about their daily lives but take the path beyond here and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. As you drive to the heritage site you’ll be greeted with a glistening green oasis of palm trees and those colourful house shaping the view.

Park up when you spot the signs for the village and spend a minute just to take in the view. From here you can follow the trail down towards the palm plantation. There is a guest house here which it’s possible to stay at and some rather dubious public toilets. There are a few ways to enter the palm plantation, we chose the path to the right of the public toilets as recommended by Lonely Planet and didn’t have to walk far before we were in the middle of the trees.

Misfat is highly worth the little detour in my opinion, it’s one of the only mountain spots you can visit without needing a 4wd. This village gives you a glimpse into local Omani life and how it’s still a world away from the glitzy middle eastern cities.

This was the main stop on our Oman road trip as we spent two nights in Muscat but we used it as a base for exploring some of the surrounding areas as the accommodation choice was better (and cheaper) in the city. There are a few key sights in Muscat to spend time exploring. The first is Old Muscat or Mutrah as it is known, it is to the east of the city and close to the port. Here you’ll find a gorgeous souq which is worth allowing some time to explore. The shops are full of the most gorgeous handicrafts including amazing gemstone jewelry. I could have spent hours wandering the souq but after one rather pricey purchase I decided I better make an exit. From the souq you can easily cross over the road for a stroll along the corniche.

The other place worth stopping is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Located to the west of the city this gorgeous building is very different to the Abu Dhabi mosque but still worth visiting. Non-muslims can visit between 8-11am but must ensure they are covered, for women that means head, arms and down to the ankles while for men it’s just the ankles. You will need to make sure you bring these clothes with you as I didn’t see anywhere to rent items. The architecture design of this mosque is amazing with all of the archways but the most breathtaking spot is the mosaic feature inside the main prayer hall.

We stayed at the Sheraton Oman hotel while we were in Muscat as we got a brilliant deal with breakfast included for two nights. The hotel was gorgeous, the facilities top notch and most importantly it had a shaded pool for cooling off in after a long day in the sun. There are plenty of other accommodation options in Muscat from cheaper hotels, apartments and even Airbnbs.

Bimmah Sink Hole

Oman is known for its swimming spots and this one is probably one of the most easily accessible spots with plenty of facilities. Located not far from the main highway connecting Muscat and Sur this sink hole is a cool spot to check out or even swim in. During our visit it was Eid al Fitr so the sink hole was extremely busy by midday, however, I imagine during a normal weekday it would be less busy. It is free of charge to visit.

What’s better than an easily accessible sinkhole? Well a harder to access Wadi of course. This spot really is pretty cool. Located around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Muscat, it’s easily do able from the city although I would recommend leaving as early as possible especially during the hotter months. Once you reach the carpark at the start of the wadi you’ve got a bit of a trek ahead of you until you’ll reach the glorious pools. First you’ll need to take a boat across from the car park to the start of the trail as this is located on the other side of the water.

Once you get to the trail it’s around a 40 minute walk from here, for the most part the trail is obvious but if you ever lose it just follow the irrigation system and you’ll find it again soon enough. The path itself isn’t the most stable; some parts you’ll be climbing over rocks and other parts you’ll be right along the side of a steep drop. I’d recommend wearing proper shoes and taking plenty of supplies especially in the hot weather. That being said we hiked there and back with relative ease. There are plenty of pools along side the track but the ones you’re after are where the path stops. I’ll write up a full guide to the wadi with all the details.

Crossing the Border UAE/Oman

There are several spots to cross the border from Dubai but make sure you do your research as some are not open to expats and tourists. We chose to cross in two different spots during and trip. Leaving the UAE we drove through Al Ain and took the Mezyad crossing. The process was very slow taking around two hours in total (it was Eid al Fitr though). You can also cross at Khatm Al Shiklah in Al Ain. On our return we chose to cross at Hatta and although the check points are located quite far apart the whole thing was quick and easy. Be careful not to mix the Hatta border with the other two that are not open to expats.

At the border you will need to present the car registration card, the ‘orange card’ insurance document and of course passports. We purchased our visa online before hand so had these printed but it was possible to buy the visa at the border in Mezyad.

Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration to take your own Oman road trip. If there’s anything you’re still not sure about just ask in the comments below.

You may also enjoy:

My week in photos 27, kaiteri lodge review, a photo essay of the turkish town …, budget for three weeks in new zealand.

Hi I loved your blog . Am a Dubai based Indian expat and am planning to drive to Nizwa in Jan . Please let me know the easiest way to cross over the border into Oman. Are the Hatta or Mezyad borders open? I have done the trip to Khasab a few times . Thanks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Latest Videos

Current location.

The New Forest, UK

Looking for Something?

7 Days in Oman Itinerary: Epic One Week Oman Road Trip

My one-week Oman itinerary is here to help you plan an unforgettable Oman road trip (no 4WD required).

This self-drive route, which starts and ends in the capital Muscat , covers must-visit places in northeastern Oman as well as some wonderful hidden gems discovered while travelling in Oman . Also, here you will find driving distances and times, places to stay, and the best things you can do in Oman in 7 days . 

Oman is one of my absolute favorite places to travel in the Middle East. Therefore, as soon as Oman’s borders opened for tourism and pleasant winter weather finally arrived, I packed for my one-week road trip to  Oman from Dubai, UAE .

With roads being some of the best quality in the world, and petrol costs some of the lowest, driving in Oman is undoubtedly the best way to explore the Land of Frankincense. 

Extraordinary scenery featuring endless layers of jagged mountain peaks and water-filled wadis is giving the way to the pristine blue coastline and rolling sand dunes.

Whilst the charming traditional towns, souqs, ancient forts, and mud villages allow you to witness old Omani culture which is still present in today’s daily life. And above all, welcoming local people and the safety of the country makes Oman one of the most attractive travel destinations in the Middle East that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. 

If you are wondering what to see in Oman, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate 7-day Oman itinerary ! Moreover, I also added suggestions for shorter 5-Day and extended 10-Day to 14-Day Oman routes.

Thus, I hope that this Oman travel guide will be inspiring and useful to you when planning your own Oman road trip itinerary. 

RELATED REEDS: Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.

Disclosure :  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase by clicking a link. This helps to keep my blog growing and filling up with detailed honest travel advice for you. 

5 to 7 Days in Oman Itinerary: Oman Road Trip Overview 

Here is a summary of the One Week Oman Road Trip Itinerary :

• Day 1: Muscat
• Day 2: Muscat-Bimmah sinkhole-Wadi Shab-Sur
• Day 3: Sur-Bani Wadi Khalid-Wahiba Sand Dunes and Dessert Camping
• Day 4: Wahiba Sands-Al Hamra-Misfat
• Day 5: Misfat-Jibreen Castle-Birkat Al Mouz-Nizwa
• Day 6: Nizwa- Muscat (optional stop at Nakhla Fort)
• Day 7: Muscat (with optional day trip to Daymaniyat Islands)

Total distance: approx. 900 km.

Time on the road: approx. 12hrs.

Sign up HERE to receive a FREE downloadable OMAN MINI GUIDE !

How to prepare for this Oman road trip- Quick Useful Tips

Before we jump to the fun stuff, here are the essentials for organizing your Oman road trip.

• WHERE TO STAY
• Muscat: Fort Guesthouse (9.4 on Booking)
• Sur: Sur Grand Hotel (8.2 on Booking)
• Wahiba: Desert Nights (8.8 on Booking)
• Misfat: Misfat Old House (8.5 on Booking)
• Nizwa: Antique Inn (8.5 on Booking)
• RECOMMENDED GUIDED DAY TOURS
• Best Wadi Shab Tour (5/5 GetYourGuide)
• Best Desert Tour (5/5 Viator)
• Best Nizwa & Mountain Tour (4.5/5 GetYourGuide)
• Best Dimaniyat Islands (5/5 GetYourGuide)
• Best Muscat City Tour (5/5 Viator)
• Rent a car : The best way to explore Oman is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Oman from your location.
• Before You Go: Apply for an Oman visa easily at iVisa .
• Accommodation: book your ideal accommodation on Booking .
• Travel Insurance: buy affordable travel insurance at SafetyWing . Alternatively, get  5% off  your insurance by using my link on  Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• Guided tours: book the best-rated guided tours in Oman on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a tourist pack of local data and calls at Muscat airport or hypermarket. Omantel provides the best coverage.
• eSIM CARD:  Stay connected before you land.  Airalo  offers eSIM card with data up to 5 GB (30 days) data package for Oman.

This road trip is planned as a circular route starting and finishing in the capital Muscat . On a side note, all the locations on this road trip could be done as day trips from Muscat. Most of them are within a 1.5-2.5 hour drive from Muscat.

We only had 5 days to spare for this Oman road trip. Therefore, we had to leave Bani Wadi Khalid and Wahiba Sand Dunes for our next visit to Oman. However, those are the top attractions in Oman that you can visit if you have 7 days in the country.

Nakhla fort wasn’t included in our 5 days trip either, but I have visited it back in 2017, and it is well worth a stop if you are travelling in Oman for a week, and if you love castles.

However, if you are short on time, you could either skip Day 3 (Wadi Bani Khalid and the desert), or trim down the Nizwa part. Unless you are really keen to see the desert, I would recommend definitely making your way up North of Oman and visiting the ancient mountain villages of Misfat al Abriyeen, and Birkat Al Mouz.

Our 5 Day Oman Road Trip looked like this:

• Muscat-Bimmah Sinkhole-Wadi Shab-Sur-Al Hamra-Misfat-Jibreen Castle-Birkat al Mouz-Nizwa-Muscat

Total distance: approx. 815 KM

Total time on the road: approx. 10 HRS

What we would have done differently on this road trip?

The Oman road trip itinerary presented here is perfect for travelers flying in and out of Muscat airport.

However, if you are, like us, driving from Dubai, or elsewhere in UAE, you could choose to start your Oman route in Muscat entering via the Hatta border, and then end your trip in Nizwa, returning back through the Al Ain border. That being said, you could first spend 2 days in Muscat, and finish exploring the Northern part of Oman in Nizwa.

Oman Road Trip Route Map

Click  here  to open and save my Oman itinerary map which shows the exact locations of the points of interest mentioned in this Oman guide.

How many days in Oman do you actually need? 

One week in Oman is the bare minimum you should allocate if you want to cover the highlights of the northeastern part of the country. However, one week in Oman would be only scratching the surface of what this beautiful country has to offer. 

Ideally at least 10 to 14 days would be a sufficient time. Having a couple of weeks in Oman would allow you to either slowly explore the northeastern part of Oman, or travel at a faster pace adding Dhofar governorate and/or Musandam peninsula to your itinerary.

I will go more into detail on the add-ons and extended routes at the end of this post.

The best time to visit Oman

The best time to visit Oman is from October to March. This time of the year is recommended for visiting the northern and the eastern parts of the country’s mainland as well as the Musandam Peninsula. While travel season for Salalah (the South of Oman) is during the summer months of June, July, August, and early September due to the completely different milder climates, greenery, and rainy season that is always awaited by local people and GCC residents to escape the summer heat. 

Renting a car in Oman

Deciding on what type of car to rent in Oman  depends on your travel route. You will find that many blogs recommend renting 4WD in order to reach remote areas and high mountain passes. 

Our route DID NOT require 4WD as it covers places with easy access by well-paved roads. Indeed, you will still be able to see a lot by driving a regular car. 

However, if you decide to go to Jebel Shams or Jebel Akhdar (two very famous mountains), 4WD is a must. It will also be useful if you want to drive in the desert (considering that you know how to do it) or visit remote mountain villages that do not have paved road access. For example, we had to skip above mentioned mountains and some interesting villages because we didn’t have 4WD. 

As per my research, Discover Cars has some of the most competitive rates for renting both SUVs and sedans.

The best rates for renting a car in Oman

I often use Discover Cars to find the best car rental deals.

7-Day Oman Road Trip Itinerary: Daily Breakdown

Here are my recommended 7 days in Oman Itinerary breakdown day by day. It covers must-visit places in Oman at each destination, things to do, and accommodation recommendations. I also provide travel distances and required time for each section of this Oman road trip route.

DAY 1: MUSCAT (overnight in Muscat)

Capital Muscat mostly likely will be your first stop in Oman. Low-rise white-washed houses sprinkled between dark craggy peaks on the shores of the Gulf of Oman define the city landscape.

Although the biggest city and bustling trade hub, Muscat is a soulful capital with a unique character and well-preserved old traditions.

Muscat is one of the most beautiful cozy capitals in the world, and you must visit for at least a day or two. 

Top Tip: Muscat is very spread out with limited transport options. Therefore, having your own car will be the fastest and most likely the cheapest way to move around Muscat. It will also allow you to see some great places on the outskirts of the capital. Parking in Muscat is also easy, which makes self-drive even more attractive.

The Best Things to Do in Muscat

Here is my list of must-visit places in Muscat. You may need 2 days to cover them all at a relaxed pace. We did some of the activities on the first and some on the last day of our Oman road trip.

Also read: To plan your time in the capital of Oman, refer to my detailed post about  The best things to do in Muscat: 1-3 days itinerary

1. Admire Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an absolute must-visit place in Oman for those of you who admire architecture and love photography. It is the largest mosque in Oman with remarkable modern Islamic architecture.

Defined by perfectly symmetric arrays of arches, elaborate latticework, intricate mosaics and ornate carvings of flowers, Sultan Qaboos mosque is one of the most impressive modern mosques I have ever visited.

Moreover, one of its 5 minarets (together they represent the 5 pillars of Islam) is 90 meters tall, making the mosque country’s tallest structure. On a side note, it is amazing that Oman stays away from glass-encrusted skyscrapers and preserves its low-rise urban landscape.

Interesting facts about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

It took 6 years to complete the mosque and it can host up to 20000 worshipers. The 24-karat gold-plated chandelier inside the men’s prayer hall holds 600,000 Swarovski crystals and is surrounded by 34 smaller versions found across the mosque.

Equally impressive is the hand-made prayer carpet weighing 21 tons. It took 600 Iranian artisans to complete it for a duration of 4 years. The only prayer carpet that is even larger belongs to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Things to know before visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat

• Opening hours for non-Muslim visitors and photography are from 8 AM- 11 AM every day except Friday .
• Entrance fee: FREE
• How long should I spend here? 1 hr minimum, but you can easily spend 2-3 hrs.
• Dress Code: ladies must cover head to toe (including wearing a head scarf), men are not required to wear head cover, but must also wear long pants and long sleeve shirts.
• Etiquette: leave your shoes at the door when stepping into the prayer halls.

The mosque is huge. Therefore, you can easily spend there 2-3 hours wandering around its beautiful allays and prayer rooms. Try to arrive as early as 8:30 AM before all the tours come. This way you can enjoy the mosque quietly. We came late at around 10 AM, and we haven’t even noticed the time fly by, meaning there was not enough time to explore it properly.

• Photography Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandness of architecture. I used my 14-30 mm Nikkor Z lens to capture the images shown above.

2. Stop by at Yiti street viewpoint overlooking the Ruwi area

Muscat is built between the hills. Thus, climbing higher up will reward you with fantastic viewpoints. One of the less explored spots I have discovered on my Oman road trip is a Ruwi area with a fantastic viewpoint opening up from Yiti street.

You won’t find this spot in any guidebooks, but I must say it was one of the Muscats highlights that I recommend adding to your route.

The exact coordinates for the viewpoint are 23.573747, 58.549943.

3. Stroll along vibrant Mutrah Corniche and Climb Mutrah’s Fort

One of Muscat’s most vibrant areas, also known as an Old Town, Mutrah (or Muttrah) is one of my favorite places to spend time in Oman. Characterized by 19th-century latticed merchants’ houses and colorful minarets, Mutrah’s sweeping waterfront is the city’s old commercial center.

The romantic curved waterside promenade offers beautiful views of Muscat’s historical center backed by rugged mountain peaks on one side, and calming sea on the other. But for even better perspectives of the old town climb Mutrah’s Fort.

Built by the Portuguese in the 16 th century, Mutrah Fort stands atop a rocky hill. From here you can see fantastic panoramic views overlooking Muttrah corniche.

• Opening hours : Saturdays to Thursdays 9 AM-6:30 PM/ Fridays 9-11 AM, 2-6:30 PM.

4. Go on a hike in Muscat- Mutrah to Riyam Park Trail

If you love hiking, Muscat got you covered. There are a few short easy to moderate-level city trails. One of the most picturesque routes is the C38 circular trail starting at Riyam Park in the old part of Muscat.

The hike starts with a short steep climb, gaining a quick elevation of around 100 meters. You can see the famous incense burner in Riyam park. Then the trail winds through the craggy peaks. You have to climb one of the higher peaks to enjoy the panoramic views of Mutrah corniche.

As the route descends, it passes through a water-filled wadi. The water stream is not deep but if you don’t want your shoes to get soaked, you might have to scramble and jump around some boulders to avoid getting into the water. The trail eventually leads back to the town through some old graveyard. The last 2 KM are just a city walk along Mutrah corniche back to Riyam Park.

Things to know about hiking Mutrah to Riyam Park trail

• Trail distance: 3.7 KM
• Hike duration: 1.5 hrs
• Difficulty level: easy to moderate
• The trail is well-marked with yellow white and red line flags
• Proper hiking boots are recommended as the rocks are very slippery
• Kids-friendly (we saw families with young kids doing it).

Trailhead coordinates: type in Google [C38 Mutrah to Riyam Park Hike] to get to the start of the trail. The starting point is behind one of the houses. You will see a stone staircase on the left-hand side going uphill-follow it to begin the hike.

5. Shop for Omani souvenirs at traditional Mutrah Souq

At the heart of Mutrah, hidden between the winding old streets, you will find one of the oldest markets in the world-Mutrah Souq. Covered in the fog of frankincense, the bustling souq will make your head spin. Mutrah Souq is a maze of hundreds of shops selling everything from small souvenirs to hand-made carpets, kummas (traditional embroidered Omani hats), colorful lanterns and magic lamps, to hand-crafted silver khajars (Omani knives/swards), jewelry, oriental perfume and what not.

It is a fun experience to wander around Mutrah Souq even if you are not buying anything. Most likely you will end up purchasing something from one of the friendly local sellers. Or at least will end up overdosing on Omani coffee which is offered as a gesture of hospitality at nearly every single shop.

• Opening hours : 9 AM-1 PM/4 PM- 9 PM daily.

6. Swim at Qantab Stone Beach and take a boat ride to Qantab natural arch

The beach at Qantab fishing village, 30 minutes away drive south of Muscat, was one of the unexpected discoveries during this Oman road trip. I was initially mapping out some interesting photography locations on Google maps, and Qantab caught my attention as a potential spot that offered great mountain village views.

Even the drive from Muscat to Qantab was filled with pleasant views. Once we reached it, we were pleasantly surprised by the quiet beach featuring beautiful rock formations. It was one of those wild-type beaches with just a few local fishermen hanging around. I would have easily spent half a day reading a book and chilling on the sand.

As we walked towards the sea, we were approached by an elder Omani sailor named Solomon. He offered us to go on a private sunset boat ride. We agreed. And it was a pleasant 30 minutes ride in a traditional motorized boat. We had a chance to see a natural stone arch and admire the beautiful coastline.

The private boat ride cost us 10 OMR.

7. Go on a half-day trip to Daymaniyat Islands

Ad Daymaniyat is a Nature Reserve formed of nine pristine islands located 20km off the shores of Barka- a coastal city up north of Muscat. Islands are known for their crystal clear waters and as a great spot for snorkeling with their bright-colored fish and sea turtles.

From May to October visiting Daymaniyat islands is prohibited due to marine life protection.

Since a special permit is required to enter the islands, the easiest way to visit Daymaniyat is by joining a day tour. Tour operators will handle all the logistics, permits, and food on your behalf.

Daymaniyat snorkeling cruise from Muscat  is rated 5/5 on Get Your Guide, and alternatively, this day tour  offers snorkeling and dolphin watching.

The Best Places to Stay in Muscat

Muscat has a range of accommodations to meet almost any type of traveler: from budget to mid-range to the finest luxury resorts with fantastic mountain scenery. Here are my top pics for each category.

• High-End Accommodation
• Al Bustan Palace -stunning coastline set against Hajar mountains, dreamy pools, and a stretch of private beach- great for romantic getaways and the best beachfront views.
• Chedi Muscat – one of the most beautiful hotels in Muscat featuring modern Arabic architecture, beachfront, 100-meter long pool, yoga, and pilates classes- a perfect place for relaxation.
• Mid-Range-Budget Accommodation
• Grand Millenium Muscat -a home away from home, located close to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
• Fort Guesthouse – superb location at the beachfront of Muttrah corniche and Fort, features a lovely terrace and humble Omani-style accommodation.

DAY 2: Muscat to Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, and Sur (overnight in Sur)

• Driving distance: approx. 200 KM
• Total driving time: approx. 2.5 HRS
• Midway stops: Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab

After exploring the fascinating city of Muscat, it is time to continue our road trip along the East coast with a couple of stops at some of the best-known and probably most visited nature attractions in Oman- Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab. The final destination of the day will be the atmospheric port town of Sur. On day 2, I recommend waking up early to slowly enjoy your nature stops and allow yourself enough time to reach Sur before sunset.

Dip your toes and swim in Bimmah Sinkhole

Located 1 HR 30 Min drive from Muscat, Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawaiyat Najm) is a natural pool phenomenon that is mystified by a legend. It says that the sinkhole was formed after a meteorite struck the Earth. In reality, it is a water-filled depression in the limestone.

Bimmah Sinkhole is easily accessible from the main highway. Therefore, it is one of the most popular natural spots loved by locals and tourists.

I had second thoughts on whether I should include Bimmah Sinkhole in our Oman itinerary. Honestly speaking, it didn’t look that appealing from the photos (plus how busy it can get).

However, Bimmah Sinkhole was religiously recommended in every single blog as one of the must-visit places in Oman. Since it was on the way to our main attraction of the day- Wadi Shab- I decided to pay Bimmah Sinkhole a short visit and see what all the fuss is about.

Although a little busy even on a Thursday morning, Bimmah Sinkhole ended up being a pleasant surprise. In terms of photography, I do not find this place impressive, but the experience is what makes it worth the stop. Swimming in refreshing clear waters was indeed amazing and fun during the hot day.

Also, you can get a free “pedicure” from the fish that inhabits those waters. If you sink your feet in the water and stay still, soon you feel a ticklish sensation- dozens of small fish will come to eat the dead skin off your feet.

• Opening Hours: from 8AM to 8PM- Bimmah Sinkhole is enclosed within a gated park.
• Dress Code: to respect local culture, avoid swimming in bikinis and trunks. Most of the people swim in T-shirts, legging or long shorts.

Wadi Shab hike and swim in its natural pools

Less than 30 MIN drive away from Bimmah Sinkhole we head to the famous Wadi Shab (Wadi Ash Shab)- a highlight of the day . For those of you who do not know what “wadi” means, it is an Arabic word widely used here in the Middle East to refer to the dry gorge, which occasionally may have a water stream running through it.

Wadi Shab is arguably the most visited gorge with water-filled natural pools in Oman. It doesn’t come as a surprise considering the beauty of the place and the refreshing swimming attraction it has to offer.

Moreover, Wadi Shab is easily accessible within 2 hours drive from Muscat. Getting to Wadi Shab is straightforward. Just type “Wadi Shab Parking” in Google maps and it will take you to the parking spot.

Related reads : check my blog post about Wadi Shab hike to pools in Oman for all the details on how to visit Wadi Shab .

Things to know about visiting Wadi Shab

• To enter wadi Shab you must take a 2-minute boat ride for 1 OMR per person. The boats operate daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. You can easily locate them under the huge bridge where the parking lot is. Make sure you get back on time, otherwise you will have to swim back to the parking lot.
• You must hike for around 40 minutes to get to the first pool. The hike is easy and very scenic featuring high canyons, boulders, green small farms, and water streams along the way.
• Note, that there is lots of water along the way. Thus, wear footwear suitable for passing through the water streams. Don’t wear slippers as it wouldn’t be safe to hike over the slippery rocks. Light sneakers or swimming shoes with rubber soles are the best.
• There are 4 pools in total. The first one is shallow and suitable for non-swimmers while the rest require decent swimming skills in order to be able to stay in the water a long time (you can’t reach the ground).
• There is also a hidden waterfall in the secret cave- you should attempt getting there if you are a good and confident swimmer who can keep yourself afloat for at least 15 MIN!
• Wadi Shab is extremely popular and gets quite crowded. The best time to visit Wadi Shab to avoid crowds is early in the morning on a weekday. However, don’t get put off by the number of visitors as the experience is fantastic.

 Once you are at the first pool, you can access the 2 nd and 3rd pools by swimming, while the 4th pool is hidden above the so-called hidden waterfall. Note that to get to the hidden waterfall you will have to swim through a narrow crack in the rock. There is only enough space to pass your head above the water. Even people who do not suffer from claustrophobia find it slightly intimidating at first.

After an adventurous day at Wadi Shab, we continue our journey to the sleepy port town of Sur. It takes approximately 40 minutes to drive from Wadi Shab to Sur. Since we reached it after sunset, we are going to wake up early to spend some time exploring this atmospheric little town.

Places to stay in Sur

The closest accommodation to Wadi Shab (unless you are camping), is located 40 min drive in port town Sur. It only has a limited number of hotels. Here are my top picks:

• Sur Accommodation Suggestions
• Sur Grand Hotel – The best-rated in the area, 6 KM from the center of Sur featuring nice beach views directly from the window!
• Sur Plaza Hotel- we stayed here-another decent option for the area with old-school film vibes and clean and spacious rooms. The hotel is located inland but has a pool for those who want to refresh on a hot day. The food served at the restaurant was average though.

DAY 3: Morning in Sur- Wadi Bani Khalid- Wahiba Sands (overnight at desert camp)

• Driving distance: approx. 170 KM
• Total driving time: approx. 2 HRS 30
• Midway stops: Wadi Bani Khalid

If you are travelling for a week, before heading up North of Oman, I recommend stopping by at Wadi Bani Khalid and definitely spending some time in the desert and staying overnight at a desert camp in Sharqiya (Wahiba) Sands .

Wake up for sunrise in the peaceful town of Sur

Sur is an atmospheric small port town on the East Coast of Oman. Once an important trade hub, and fishing harbor, Sur is home to Oman’s only surviving dhow boats factory.

I loved this chilled tucked-away town. Sur is characterized by an array of white and pastel hue architecture lined up over the quiet seafront promenade. Al Ayjah Lighthouse is the main landmark beautifully set against the Gulf of Oman on one side and white-washed houses with a misty mountain backdrop on the other. If you have little time, make sure at least to pay a short visit to the lighthouse and enjoy the calming morning views.

If you have more time to spare, climb the Al Ayjah watchtower for incredible elevated Sur views. Finally, stroll along the peaceful corniche or beach together with locals. It is indeed a very relaxing place to start a day before hitting the road.

Splash waters at Wadi Bani Khalid

1.5 HRS (130 KM) drive from Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid is another spectacular oasis and a must-visit place in Oman . Mostly popular among locals, Wadi Bani Khalid offers some beautiful natural pools to take a dip and cool down on a hot day.

At the entrance to the Wadi Bani Khalid, you will find a few manmade pools, where most of the locals with families like to splash around. But don’t stop here as there are better swimming options- natural pools- tucked away deeper into the wadi. To find them, continue further following Muqal Cave signs until you reach more isolated ravines with also fewer people.

Ride the dunes of Wahiba Sands

Located approximately 1-hour drive from Wadi Bani Khalid, Sharqiyah Sands (or the Wahiba Sands) are known to be the most accessible desert area in Oman. The rolling dunes of Wahiba define the edge of the vast desert of the Arabian Empty Quarter (parts of which belong to UAE and Saudi Arabia).

If you have never been to the desert, make sure to spend some time in this magical place.

Camp under the stars in the Arabian desert

To enter the desert, you must have a 4WD and know how to drive in loose sands. Therefore, an easier way is to spend a night in one of the Wahiba Sands desert camps that provide 4WD pickup and offer an array of other fun desert activities.

One of the best places for spending a night in a luxurious One Thousand Nights way is at Desert Nights Camp , which also offers a complimentary sunset ride over the dunes.

Best things to do at Wahiba Sands Desert

Immersing in the vastness of the desert is one of the most magical experiences. From watching the sun rising over the rolling dunes to adrenalin-fueled dune bashing and counting down billions of stars lighting up the pitch-black sky- all these are classics of the desert experiences not to be missed.

I recommend exploring the sand dunes on foot and just letting the warm sand fill up your shoes. Especially if you love photography, you may want to take your time chasing that perfect sand wave to be captured. Be mindful though when walking in the desert. Although less likely during the day, but there is a chance of seeing a desert snake or a scorpion.

DAY 4: Wahiba Sands- Al Hamra- Misfat Al Abriyeen (overnight in Misfat)

• Total driving distance: approx. 250 KM
• Total driving time: approx. 3 HRS 20 MIN
• Midway stops: Ibra, abandoned Al Hamra village

The next leg of the road trip is a long drive into Al Hajar mountains and some of the most charming historical parts of Oman. Getting lost in the maze of old streets of ancient mud villages and conquering some of the majestic Omani forts and castles is what we going to do for the next couple of days.

A short stop at Ibra

Getting to the Northern part of Oman will be quite a long drive. Therefore, if you want to break your trip, a short detour would be stopping at the Old Quarter of Ibra town. There you will find ruins of historic buildings, which for some may be a fascinating sight.

Another quite interesting landmark of Ibra is the 50-domes mosque Jami Al-Hamoda Mosque. Its unique architecture is almost exactly the same as the 4-dome oldest mosque in the UAE, Fujeirah. The only difference is the Omani one is 12 times bigger. I couldn’t help it comparing the dome rooftop with one of those whipped cream tarts- it is just so unusual and adorable.

Explore abandoned mud-village of Al Hamra

On the way to our final destination for the day- Misfat al Abriyeen, we shortly stopped at the old part of Al Hamra town. A district of partially abandoned mud-houses is settled at the foot of the mountains and tucked away behind the lush palm tree oasis.

Surprisingly, some of these houses are still inhabited by people while many of them are also completely abandoned. Al Hamra reminded me of Yemeni village- mysterious little streets and multistorey clay buildings with colorful doors. Some of the houses are in better shape than others. In general, the ruins of Al Hamra village are around 700-1000 years old.

Wandering around this mysterious place is easily one of the best unique things to do in Oman!

If you have extra time, make sure to visit Bait al Safah- a living Omani history museum . I read about it online, and it seems to be an interesting place to learn more about traditional Omani life (will have to come back for it next time).

Photography Tip: As the sun is about to set, the village glows in the golden light- this is by far the best time to photograph Al Hamra’s abandoned village.

Important Note: Be careful when going inside abandoned houses, especially climbing staircases and rooftops as those are crumbling down and may be dangerous.

GPS location: The Ruins In Al Hamra Oman  N23º 07’ 14.542” E57º 16’ 59.048”.

Travel back in time to the mountain mud village of Misfat Al Abriyeen

Set at 1000 meters above sea level atop of massive rocks of Al Hajar mountains, Misfat Al Abriyeen, is said to be one of the most beautiful ancient villages in Oman .

Seamlessly blending into the backdrop of the mountain, Misfat offers a quiet hideaway and unparalleled authentic experience. By far, this was my favorite overnight stop!

If you wondering where did we stay, Misfat’s community is currently welcoming visitors for overnight stays in several traditional Omani mud-houses.

Things to do in Misfat Al Abriyeen

1. explore the maze of alleys of misfat village.

Since Misfat is a pedestrian-only village, it is a perfect place to slowly explore its shaded old streets and hidden corners. Once at the heart of the village, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time.

2. Follow Falaj- and the ancient irrigation system

Explore the green terraces at the bottom of the village by following Falaj. There are signs of yellow red and white flags marking the walking routes around the terraces that you can follow. Even if you do not stick to the marking, the area is small enough, and surely you will manage to find your way around and back to the village.

3. Drink specialty coffee at the terrace of Halwa Coffee shop.

Misfat has perfectly adapted to tourism and even introduced a fantastic quality coffee for its visitors. There are a couple of specialty coffee shops that serve delicious hot and cold coffee (including traditional Omani qahwa ). One place that really stands out due to its fantastic location is Halwa Coffee. Situated in an old building atop a high rock, Halwa Coffee shop has an amazing terrace with views overlooking part of the new and old Misfat and green mountain terraces.

4. Go on a hike following the marked trails in the area

Misfat is a great base for a few moderate hikes into the Hajar mountains. You can find trail maps at the visitor’s center. One of the popular routes that you can take is the W9 trail, which will lead you along the wadi. All the trails are marked with red white and yellow flag labels.

Parking and Logistics Tip: Misfat is a tiny pedestrian-only village. Therefore, leave your car at the designated parking area for visitors, and explore the town on foot. Note that if you are spending a night in Misfat, you can’t drive to the homestay doors. You will have to leave heavy suitcases in your car and pack only essentials for the day.

Where to stay in Misfat

I have followed recommendations by other travelers and chose to stay at Misfah Old House – a traditional homestay with welcoming Omani owners. Now I am joining the tribe and highly recommend staying at this place as well.

Not only did we have a chance to stay in an authentic Omani room, but also had a fantastic dinner and breakfast served on a delightful terrace overlooking the oasis and mountains. The food in Misfat Old House was a homemade mix of meat, fish, and vegetarian options. It was by far one of the best places we ate in Oman (on a side note, on this trip we struggled to find good places to eat).

DAY 5: Morning in Misfat- Jibreen Castle-Birkat Al Mouz – Nizwa (overnight in Nizwa)

• Total driving distance: approx. 120 KM
• Total driving time: approx. 1 HR 50 MIN
• Recommended stops: Bahla Fort, Jabreen Castle, Birkat Al Mouz

Waking up to the ripple of Falaj in a centuries-old Omani house, then having a heartful breakfast in an airy terrace, followed by a slow stroll across the lush terraces and wandering the maze of shaded narrow streets of  Misfat town was a perfect start to the day.

The next exciting stop was ancient forts and castles which are plentiful in Oman. Each of them is impressive in its own way. Therefore, you can spend hours wandering around the courtyards and maze of rooms.

Stop at Bahla Military Fort

30 minutes drive from Misfat Al Abriyeen, UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort is a worthy stop that is also out of tourist radar compared to the more famous neighbor – Nizwa Fort. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it is one of the oldest and biggest military forts in Oman.

We admired Bahla Fort from the outside, as we had time to visit only one fort for the day. We chose to explore even less visited Jibreen Castle, which is 15 minutes drive from Bahla Fort.

Get acquainted with royalty living by visiting Jibreen Castle

Built in 1675 by Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan, Jibreen (Jabrin) Castle is one of the best-preserved whimsical battlements. Formerly an important learning center of astrology, medicine, and Islamic law, today Jibreen is welcoming curious travelers to wander its impressive exteriors and interiors.

We spent around 2-3 hours admiring the ever-changing shadow and light combinations casting over the beautiful castle’s architecture. We were enjoying ourselves taking pictures and checking out some of the 50 rooms inside the castle.

The minimalistic yet rich interiors with elaborately painted ceilings, old date store, and beautiful bird-eye views opening up from the latticed window courtyard on the rooftop of the castle- are some of the interesting features of this historical structure.

• Opening Times: Daily, 7:30 AM- 10 PM.
• Entrance Fee: 3 OMR

Watch the sunset at Birkat Al Mouz’s abandoned watchtower

You may think that you had enough of the mud houses for the past couple of days, but I am so glad we made our way to Birkat Al Mouz- another fantastic completely off-the-beaten path abandoned village. Birkat Al Mouz ruins although often overlooked by tourists were one of my favorite spots on our Oman road trip .

It takes only 30 minutes to drive to Birkat al Mouz from Jibreen castle. We reached the mud village just before sunset. With not much time left to explore we rushed up to the ruins of an old watchtower. Panoramic views opening up from the top of the abandoned villages were incredible during sunset time. Since the positioning of Birkat Al Mouz is similar to Al Hamra, we got the best light painting of the settlement in rich orange hues.

Top Tip: There are 2 interesting old places to explore in Birkat Al Mouz. One of them is marked on Google Maps as Birkat Al Mouz Ruin and the other Harat Burj Al Maqaseer. The distance between them is only 300 meters. However, we arrived late and only had time to explore the ruins. Make sure to leave more time to check them both out.

• Recommended accommodation in Birkat Al Mouz (30 minutes from Nizwa)
• Bait Al Sabah Heritage Inn & Cafe – set between the ruins of ages-old Birkat Al Mouz mud village, this is a renovated cozy hotel with a fantastic coffee shop and a beautiful terrace overlooking the mysterious abandoned town.

DAY 6: Nizwa- Nakhal Fort- Muscat (overnight in Muscat)

• Total driving distance: approx. 275 KM
• Total driving time: approx. 3 HRS 15 MIN
• Recommended stops : Nakhal Fort (or full Rustaq Loop).

Today is the time to explore the most famous fort in the country- Nozwa Fort and then head back to Muscat. Depending on your energy and appetite for visiting more forts, on the way to Muscat, I recommend a detour to Nakhal fort. If you have a serious thing for forts, you can even do a Rustaq Loop (more on that later).

Nizwa, Oman

Nizwa town is known to be one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Oman. Backed by craggy Hajar mountains, its prominent landmarks and highlights are a cylindrical-shaped Nizwa Fort with adjoining vibrant Souq.

Although quite well-known, Nizwa ended up being a nice addition to our Oman road trip route. It wasn’t as busy as expected from a popular location, which made our experience very pleasant.

Conquer Nizwa Fort- the most famous fortification in Oman

Nizwa Fort- the country’s most famous fort-was built back in the 17 th century. Its main function back in the day was to protect Nizwa’s position on a major trade route.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering inside the Fort and enjoying its architecture. Thus, set aside enough time- at least 2 hours.

A common perk of each castle and fort, with no exception for Nizwa Fort, is beautiful bird-eye views of the surrounding town and mountains.

• Opening hours: Saturdays to Thursdays: 8 am – 8 pm / Fridays: 8 am – 11:30 am, 1:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
• Entrace fees: 5 OMR ($13 USD) for adults / 3 OMR ($8 USD) for children.

Wander Oman’s oldest market- Nizwa Souq

Just outside Nizwa Fort, you will find a vibrant marketplace filled with all sorts of handicrafts, antiques, and textiles with traditional pottery being the main sales item. There is also a section selling a variety of dates, and even livestock of goats every Friday. Nizwa Souq is Oman’s oldest market and is a fantastic place for buying souvenirs or just taking fun travel pictures.

Tip for souvenirs and takeaways : I recommend trying Omani halwa- my absolute Omani sweet made from dates. Also, if you love the smell of Oman- this is a perfect place to buy some frankincense. Make sure you also pick up an incense burner.

• Opening hours: Saturdays to Thursdays: 6 am – 1 pm, 4 pm – 10 pm / Fridays: 5 am – 11 am

Nakhal Fort and Rustaq Loop

On the way back to Muscat, if you are still craving more impressive Oman forts, make a detour to Nakhal Fort.

Nakhal Fort is less known than Nizwa but it is just as stunning. It also offers excellent views of Al Batinah Plains from the ramparts. Spare around an hour for visiting Nakhal fort.

• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday (9 am to 4 pm) and Friday (8 am to 11 am).

You can also extend your forts list and complete Rustaq Loop by adding two more of Oman’s finest forts. One is Rustaq Fort which is 50 minutes west of Nakhla Fort in Rustaq town. Rustaq fort is one of the biggest and oldest fortifications in Oman. Needless to say, architecture is as always impressive.

Only 20 min east of Rustaq stands firm a military castle called Al-Hazm. Not as impressive from exteriors as its more photogenic neighbors, Al-Hazm is said to have one of the best expositions.

Top Tip: It could be a challenge to knock out 3 or 4 forts on a day trip (but it is possible). Budget at least 1-2 hours for each of them.

Where to Stay In Nizwa

• Nizwa Accommodation suggestions
• Heritage Inn Nizwa – a beautiful hotel in a traditional rustic Omani house, 100 meters from Nizwa Souq and 400 meters from Nizwa Fort.
• Omani Guest House – steps away from Nizwa fort in an old quarter of the town this amazing traditional Omani house offers fantastic hospitality, and also a beautiful terrace overlooking the town.
• Antique Inn – decorated in traditional Omani style, this hotel offers a beautiful garden area and an outdoor pool. Located just 200 meters from Nizwa Fort, and 400 meters from the Souq.
• Date Palm Inn – a more contemporary lodging compared to the ones above but still with lots of authentic elements and a cozy garden.

DAY 7: MUSCAT

If you are flying out from Muscat , adding a relaxed day in the capital to finish your Oman trip is the best way to go.

Depending on your flight time, finish up your trip with some of the activities listed on Day 1.

This was my suggested one-week Oman itinerary. I hope you will love it and will end up being just as awestruck and in love with Oman as I am!

Have more than a week for Oman? Fantastic! Below are my suggested extended routes for your Oman trip.

Extended Oman Road Trip Routes: Alternative 10-Day and 14-Day Itineraries for traveling in Oman

If you have some extra time on your sleeve, here are suggested itineraries to prolong your stay in Oman. Also, some of the must-visit places mentioned below require 4WD. Therefore, I would strongly recommend either hiring a 4-wheel ride either for the whole trip (note that car rentals are available in Muscat), or getting a driver from Nizwa for visiting those remote locations.

10-DAY Oman Itinerary

Here are 2 options for the suggested 10 days in Oman itinerary.

• 10-DAY ROUTE 1
• DAY 1-6: Same as above (day 6- overnight in Al Hamra, possibly skip Nakhal)
• DAY 7: JEBEL SHAMS BALCONY HIKE (4WD required)
• DAY 8: JEBEL AKDHAR (4WD required)
• DAY 9: BALD AL SAYT AND WAKAN MOUNTAIN VILLAGES (4WD required)
• DAY 10: MUSCAT
• 10-DAY ROUTE 2
• DAY 1-6: Same as above (overnight in Nakhal)
• DAY 7: BALD AL SAYD AND WAKAN MOUNTAIN VILLAGES (overnight in Nakhal)
• DAY 8-9: MUSANDAM (6 HRS drive from Muscat includes UAE border crossing, or 1 HR flight from Muscat)

14-DAY Oman Itinerary Suggestion

• 14-DAY ROUTE 1
• DAY 8: BALD SAYT and WAKAN MOUNTAIN VILLAGES (4WD required)-NAKHAL
• DAY 9-10: NAKHAL-JEBEL AKHDAR
• DAY 11-13: JEBEL AKHDAR- MUSANDAM (6.5 HRS drive from Jebel Akhdar includes UAE border crossing or 1 HR flight from Muscat)
• DAY 14: MUSCAT
• 14-DAY ROUTE 2
• DAY 7: JEBEL AKHDAR (4WD required)
• DAY 8-11: MUSCAT- SALALAH -MUSCAT (1 HR flight from Muscat or 9 HRS drive from Muscat/11 HRS drive from Jebel Akhdar, 4WD required)
• DAY 12-13: MUSCAT-MUSANDAM (6 HRS drive from Muscat includes UAE border crossing or 1 HR flight from Muscat)

More about suggested alternative road trip locations in Oman

Jebel shams balcony hike- visit the grand canyon of oman.

Jebel Shams is the highest mountain peak in Oman reaching 3000 meters above sea level, located north of Al Hamra town. It is a fantastic place to experience nature and go on a hike scaling some of the highest altitudes in the country. The most well know easy-level hike suitable for beginners is Balcony Walk marked as a W6 trail.

The Jebel Shams Balcony walk is a 4km hike with elevation gain and loss of 200 meters, starting at 1700m and reaching up to 1900 m. Note that this one-way (return same way -total 8km) hike requires around 3-4 hours to complete. This hike offers beautiful views of the so-called Oman Grand Canyons.

Jebel Akhdar- the Green Mountain of Oman

The green mountain- Al Jebel Al Akhdar peaking at 2900 meters above sea level is part of the mighty Hajar mountain range . To drive the winding mountain road leading to the peak you must have a 4WD as it is not safe going in a regular car. Moreover, you will be stopped at the checkpoint at the bottom of the mountain to ensure you have the right car, otherwise, the security won’t let you pass.

Jebel Akhdar features some of the most stunning mountain views in the country and is also home to a few finest luxury hotels if you want to treat yourself to an extraordinary staycation. Here are some of the most impressive ones:

• Alila Jabal Akhdar:  This 5-star luxury resort lies at the heart of the Al Hajar mountain range. Needless to say- it offers luxury at its highest level.
• Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort:   The famous Anantara never disappoints. This is one of their most impressive resorts with mindblowing mountain views. If you are ready to splurge on a hotel – one of these two might be the best ones in all of Oman to do so!
• Sahab Resort and Spa, Jabal Al Akhdar:   A lower-priced but still high-end mountaintop hotel.

Top Tip 1: If you are staying at one of the luxury resorts in Jebel Al Alhdar, the hotel can organize your pick-up. This way you can visit green mountain without renting a 4WD!

Top Tip 2: Bring warm clothes- it gets quite chilly in the mountains even during the hotter months in Oman.

Mountain Villages: Bald Sayt and Wakan, Oman

Bald Sayt and Wakan are remote mountain villages located not far away from Misfat Al Abriyeen. Those traditional Omani villages are perfect for those of you craving a true off the beaten path experience.

Bald Sayt (Bilad Sayd) is even referred to as a Burano of Oman due to its colorful houses. While Wakan is famous for blooming apricot flowers (seasonal) which makes it adds a nice additional experience when visiting this village.

Note that none of the mountain villages have guesthouses. Thus, you would have to visit them on a day trip from Nakhal/AlRustaq area, or Al Hamra.

Important Note: Again, you will require a 4WD to reach the villages because roads are unpaved and bumpy. Moreover, those are narrow and steep mountain roads. Therefore, good driving skills are required. It is also possible to hire a driver from Nizwa, Al Hamra, or Nakhal.

Musandam Peninsula- The Fjords of the Middle East

Musandam is an exclave governorate of Oman located up North of the United Arab Emirates border. That being said, the Musandam Peninsula is completely separated from Oman’s mainland by the UAE.

Khasab – the capital town of Musandam governorate is known to be one of the most beautiful places In Oman . The spectacular landscape of Musandam is often referred to as the Norway of the Middle East.

To reach Khasab town takes 6 hours drive from Muscat via UAE, or around 3 hours drive from Dubai, UAE. Alternatively, there are daily 1 HR flights from Muscat to Musandam.

RELATED READS: Planing on going from Dubai to Musandam? Here is my detailed Musandam Travel Guide which includes border procedures and the best things to do in Musandam for a day, two, or more. Click HERE to read it.

Salalah- The Tropics of the Middle East

Capital of the southern Dhofar province, Salalah is located at the Oman-Yemen border around 1,000km from Muscat. Salalah is a different world on its own best known for its monsoon (Khareef) season which totally transforms dry desert landscape into a green subtropical paradise .

Monsoons in Salalah start around June and last until late August. This time is considered to be the best for visiting Dhofar province. Therefore, if you happen to be traveling to Oman during the summer months, you must include Salalah in your itinerary.

The fastest way to get to Salalah is to jump into 1 HR flight from Muscat. Otherwise, driving from the capital takes around 9 HRS, and even longer if you are coming from the UAE.

• Driving to Salalah? Make sure to also read my  Dubai to Salalah road trip planner .
• Plan your Salalah route with my  Ultimate Salalah Itinerary: the best things to do in Dhofar region, Oman.

I hope you are enjoying my free travel guides & tips. If yes, please consider supporting my work by buying me a coffee so I can continue creating more useful content from my favorite coffee shop in town. Thanks!

Oman travel essentials & useful links

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

Other Oman travel resources:

• Renting a car and driving in Oman: everything you need to know.
• Starting your Oman journey in Oman’s capital Muscat? Here are  The best things to do in Muscat: itinerary for 1-3 days .
• Traveling from UAE to Oman by road or vice versa? Check useful information about UAE-Oman land border crossing using this guide .
• Plan your visit to Wadi Shab-one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Oman .
• Plan your visit to Musandam with my detailed Musandam from Dubai road trip guide.

MY 7-DAY OMAN PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

• Photo and video camera: Mirrorless Nikon Z6
• Main lens: Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/4
• Wide-angle lens: Nikkor Z 14-30 mm f/4
• Drone: DJI Air 2s
• Pocket-sized camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 2
• Small Tripod: Gorilla Pod
• Travel tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller Tripod (Ball Head)
• Photo and Video Editing software: Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Premier Pro

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.